Costa de Almeria 22 – 28 May 2025 Issue 2081

Moors & Christians

Mojacar’s historic festival returns June

THE Moors and Christians festival in Mojacar will take place from June 5 to June 8, with an extra day added this year! This popular festival celebrates an important moment in the town’s history and attracts many visitors every year.

The festival starts on Thursday morning, June 5, at 10.00am with a parade by local schoolchildren. They will walk from their school to Plaza Nueva, where they will read stories and take part in activities. That evening at 9.00pm, there will be a parade with music through the old town. Different groups, called ‘comparsas’, represent either the Moors or the Christians.

Each group has a meeting place called a ‘kábila’ (like a tent or clubhouse), where members gather to prepare and celebrate. The festival continues there until around 3.00am.

On Friday, June 6, the day begins with a gathering of ‘fusiliers’ members dressed as historic soldiers carrying rifles. They will march with banners, followed by the town’s music band. Local restaurants

will offer special food during the day. Later, there will be a musket salute at La Fuente square and a traditional ceremony where the Moorish leader hands over the city keys to the Christian envoy, symbolising the historical con-

quest.

Saturday’s events include a horse parade, musket firing, and a medieval tournament on Lance Nuevo beach. Knights from both sides will compete to win scarves from the ladies.

The big parade on Sun-

day, June 8, starts at noon at Playa de Las Ventanicas, with the main evening parade at 6.30pm. The parade goes through the town with music, authentic costumes, and floats. A Medieval Market will be open all weekend in Plaza Nueva.

IN 2024, 492 women in Almeria were diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women here. To support them, the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) runs a programme called ‘Mucho x Vivir’ (Lots to Live For) that helps women medically, emotionally, and socially.

Recently, seven women who have had mastectomies confidently walked the runway at the Carlos Pérez Siquier School of Art and Design. The crowd gave them a big round of applause as they showed off lingerie and swimwear provided by local brands.

The AECC president and some local officials attended the event. The women wanted to share their stories to help people see and accept breast cancer, showing that life goes on after treatment.

They said it was ‘a powerful display of courage and hope’ and praised the community for coming together to support those fighting breast cancer.

There was also a dance performance by the group Raks Sharki, which includes breast cancer survivors, spreading a message of strength and breaking down stigma.

Costa de Almeria • No. 2081 • 22 - 28 May 2025 FREE

GRATIS GRATIS GRATIS

VRIJ

Courage in every step.

Mojacar’s epic festival returns.

Charity Bingo

A CHARITY bingo afternoon will take place in Zurgena on Saturday, June 7, at 5.30pm in El Cocherón de La Renfe. The event is being organised by the local residents’ group Amigos de La Alfoquía to raise money for Virgen del Carmen Parish and its work in the community.

Entry is free, and everyone is welcome. There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs, donated by generous local businesses and neighbours. Drinks and snacks will also be available, so visitors can enjoy a relaxed afternoon while taking part.

Organisers are hoping for a good

turnout and are encouraging people to bring their family, friends, and neighbours along for a fun and friendly afternoon. All money raised will go directly to support the parish’s ongoing projects.

“It’s a great chance to spend time together while helping a good cause,” said one of the organisers.

The event is open to all ages and promises to be a cheerful and welcoming way to support a local charity. If you can’t attend, feel free to help spread the word, every bit of support makes a difference.

Book Club

Join the hike

THE Pulpi Town Hall is organising a hike as part of its local hiking programme. The walk will take place on Sunday, May 25, and covers 16 km with a moderate difficulty level.

The group will meet at 7.00am in Plaza del Huerto de Pulpi to start the hike. The route goes through Fuencaliente and the Aguas Termales area in Serón, offering beautiful views and a chance to enjoy nature.

The cost is €10 for those with a federation card and €13 for everyone else. Spaces are limited, so it’s best to sign up early.

You can register online at www.pulpi.es. This is a great chance to get outside, exercise, and explore the area with others.

IF you love books or want to meet new people who do, come to Sunny with a Chance of Books, a cosy bookstore in Mojacar, on June 7 at 4.00pm. The book club will be talking about the book My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. Whether you’ve read the book before or this is your first time hearing about it, this is a great chance to dive into the story about a strong friendship in the Neapolitan novels. New members are very welcome! It’s a friendly group where you can share your thoughts, listen to others, and enjoy good company. The book store is loacated at Calle de Enmedio 2, 04638 Mojacar. So, if you want to chat about a great book and meet other book lovers, come along to Sunny with a Chance of Books. It’s all about good conversation and building a community.

Bingo fun for charity.

Image: Shutterstock/ Pressmaster

Dive into great stories.

Image: Shutterstock/ PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

Spain’s Second Chance Law: Your get-out-of-debt

IMAGINE being overwhelmed by debts and creditors, turning your Spanish dream into a nightmare. Spain’s Ley de Segunda Oportunidad (Second Chance Law) offers a lifeline. Since 2015, it has allowed individuals to clear debts under certain conditions, with significant reforms in 2022 making the process faster, cheaper, and more accessible. Both Spaniards and expats residing in Spain can benefit, provided debts don’t exceed €5 million.

The law was introduced after Spain’s 2008 economic crisis to help honest deb tors avoid lifelong financial burdens, encou raging entrepreneurship and discouraging tax evasion. Applicants must prove insolvency, owe at least two creditors, and have no fraud convictions in the past decade.

card

To apply, list all debts (eg credit cards, loans, and taxes) and hire an insolvency lawyer (costing roughly €2,000€5,000). The court assesses assets, protecting essential ones like a primary home, while non-essentials may be sold. Approved applicants have unsecured debts written off or restructured.

Importantly, the 2022 reform allows cancellation of up to €10,000 each of tax and social security debts, with excess debts payable interest-free over five years. While secured debts, like mortgages, remain, new credit will be harder to

Applicants must prove insolvency and have no fraud convictions.

obtain post-process.

The law favours those struggling financially but also benefits wealthier debtors who can afford legal advice. Cases resolve within 18 months, with reapplications barred for 10 years.

Spain’s Second Chance Law offers a fresh start, but requires careful legal guidance and realistic expectations.

SEPE rule change

Spain to deduct sick leave from unemployment

A NEW change from SEPE, Spain’s public employment service, means that workers who are dismissed while on sick leave will see their medical recovery period deducted from their unemployment benefits. This rule will reduce the amount of

can claim after recovering.

For example, if someone was entitled to 20 months of unemployment aid but spent four months on sick leave, they will now only receive 16 months of support.

Previously, those dismissed while sick continued to receive temporary incapacity payments, which are separate from unemployment benefits. However, SEPE will now treat sick leave as if it had already counted against the unemployment bene fit period, even if the person hasn’t yet started

TIE changes you can’t ignore

New rules explained

IF you’re a British national living in Spain or planning to move there, it’s time to clarify the rules surrounding the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). From May 2025, new Spanish immigration reforms and upcoming EU border checks will change how Brits prove their legal residency.

The TIE is a biometric card that shows your NIE number, photo, and residency status. While some expats still hold the older green certificate, it will no longer be accepted at Schengen borders once the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches in October 2025. Travelling without a TIE could result in being treated as a tourist, risking passport stamps or fines.

If you moved to Spain before January 1, 2021, you’re covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and must have a TIE that shows ‘Artículo 50 TUE’. If you arrive after this time, you fall under general immigration law and must apply for a visa before relocating.

Already living in Spain? Swap your green certificate for a TIE now. Brits planning a move will need a visa, empadronamiento, and TIE within 30 days of arrival.

Key changes: the Golden Visa has ended, family reunification has been simplified, and new student visa rules apply.

Visit gov.uk/living-in-spain or inclusion.gob.es for updates.

Get your TIE. Travel smart. Stay legal.

Supermarket smackdown

Shoppers say: shop local

IT’S not Carrefour. It’s not Mercadona. In a twist that’s left shoppers stunned and rivals reaching for the Rioja, Spain’s top-rated supermarkets of 2025 aren’t the giants you’d expect.

The Spanish Consumer Association has delivered its verdict - and it’s the regional supermarkets taking top honours.

portant exception applies to workers whose illness is work-related. If the sickness is caused by a workplace accident or occupational illness, the new rule does not apply. In this case, workers will receive their full unemployment benefit after recovery, without any days deducted.

An

The maximum length of sick leave in Spain is 365 days, extendable by 180 days in some cases. However, those dismissed during this period will find that their unemployment benefits begin counting down earlier unless the illness is job-related.

This change has raised concerns for those already struggling with health issues, adding further stress to workers in vulnerable situations.

Leading the pack are two Catalan chains: Esclat and Bon Preu, praised for product quality and speedy service. Nationally, Hipercor, El Corte Inglés, and Aldi also performed well, showing strong customer loyalty.

Also rated ‘well above average’ were Familia, Ametller, Family Cash, Cash Fresh, Plus Fresc, Consum, Bonárea, and Hiperusera.

Not all fared well. Carrefour Express, Dia, Eroski City, and Condis Tu Súper were bottom-ranked for customer satisfaction, criticised for poor variety and slow checkouts. One shopper summed it up: “Long queues, poor stock, and not worth the price.”

While proximity matters, even convenience couldn’t save Dia, Eroski Centre, and Carrefour Express from complaints about chaotic checkouts.

For price-conscious shoppers, Family Cash was crowned Spain’s cheapest supermarket. Cash Fresh led in Andalucia and Extremadura, while Supeco, Bonárea, and Lidl offered good value regionally. In contrast, Carrefour Express, BM Urban, Supercor, and Condis were called out for steep prices.

Ministry of Employment and Social Security, where SEPE manages unemployment benefits and other services.

MOJACAR is stepping up its game in tourism by launching a new Hotel Association. This group of local hotel owners aims to work together to create a stronger, more sustainable, and higher-quality tourism experience for visitors.

The town’s local go -

vernment is fully behind this move and plans to work closely with the association to help achieve its goals. With big investments already happening and more on the way, Mojacar is preparing to welcome more visitors with better services and more places to stay.

The new association wants to promote sustainable tourism while raising Mojacar’s profile both nationally and internationally. It also plans to encourage innovation and improve how hotels operate, making sure the sector keeps up with modern standards and technology.

Officials say this is an important moment for

Hotel alliance Cultural fair

Catherine McGeer VISITORS are invited to experience the beauty and culture of the Almanzora Valley at the first-ever Tourism and Heritage Fair, taking place in Arboleas on May 23 and 24.

Held at the town’s Social Centre, the event will bring together traditional crafts, regional

Mojacar’s tourism, as everyone needs to pull together to keep the town competitive and ready for the future.

The association won’t just focus on hotels but also aims to support local businesses like shops and restaurants,

helping the whole community benefit from tourism growth.

Overall, this collaboration marks an exciting step toward making Mojacar a top destination on Spain’s southern coast, modern, welcoming, and built to last.

food, folklore, and local history, all under one roof. Organised by the Almanzora Valley Association of Municipalities and Arboleas Town Hall, the fair aims to celebrate everything that makes this part of inland Almeria so special.

Guests can enjoy live folk performances, taste typical dishes from the region, take part in hands-on craft demonstrations, and hear talks about the area’s rich heritage. Local influencers and organisations from

across the province will also be attending.

The event is backed by the Andalucian Regional Government, Spain’s State Employment Service (SEPE), and the 23 municipalities that make up the valley. Together, they’re working to shine a light on the region and boost local tourism.

It’s a great chance to discover the valley’s traditions, meet the people who keep them alive, and enjoy a fun day out. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Vera celebrates

VERA is getting ready for one of its most exciting times of the year, the Moors and Christians Cultural Week and the town’s Patron Saint celebrations.

From May 22 to June 10, the town will be filled with music, parades, history, and colour, with something for everyone to enjoy.

The Moors and Christians festival pays tribute to the town’s past, when Christian and Muslim cultures coexisted. The

celebrations kick off with interesting talks and exhibitions, including a special evening on May 24 with guest speakers from the Dominican Republic who will share their take on these traditions.

From June 6 to 10, Vera honours its patron saint, the Virgen de las Angustias. Expect plenty of events, including a floral offering, concerts in the Plaza Mayor, children’s activities, and religious processions. The big pa-

rade of Moors and Christians is on June 7, and it is a must-see, with free buses running into town that evening. It ends with a stunning fireworks display.

Don’t miss the emotional procession through the streets on June 10, a day full of music, devotion, and tradition. Whether you’re new to Vera or have lived here for years, this is a great time to experience local culture and feel part of the community.

Outdoor Yoga

MORE and more people are choosing to practise yoga outdoors, and Almeria is a perfect place to do it. Outdoor yoga helps you relax and connect with nature in a way that’s hard to get indoors.

With its mild weather and sunny days, Almeria has plenty of great spots for outdoor yoga. The city beaches like El Zapillo and San Miguel are popular, especially early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the temperature is just right. You can join group sessions or simply roll out your mat and en joy some quiet time by the sea.

green spaces, parks like Ni colás Salme rón or the bo tanical garden are peaceful places to prac tice. These

spots offer shade, calm surroundings, and a chance to breathe fresh air while stretching.

For a more natural setting, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park has beautiful beaches like Mónsul, Genoveses, and Las Salinas. Practising yoga here means being surrounded by stunning views and the sounds of nature. The Amatista viewpoint near Nijar is also a special place, with ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Other quiet spots like Rambla de

A festival for everyone.

Image: Shutterstock/ PhotoStock10

Image: Shutterstock/ Dmytro Buianskyi

Find balance in nature.

Quiz night

PAWS-PATAS is hosting a special quiz night on Friday, May 23, to raise funds for its ongoing animal rescue and rehoming work. The event will take place at Badgers on Mojacar Playa, starting at 6.00pm.

This quiz promises to be a little different from the usual, thanks to the appearance of a guest Master Quizzer who will be keeping teams on their toes with a mix of fun and challenging questions.

Big turnout

MORE than 3,000 people took part in this year’s Murmura Alpujarra Festival, which brought live music, poetry, and storytelling to several villages across the Alpujarra region in Almeria. Around one in four visitors came from outside the province, with people travelling from places like Madrid, Granada, Murcia, Valencia, and even the Balearic Islands.

The evening is open to all, but places are limited, and booking is essential. Organisers are encouraging early reservations to avoid disappointment. To book, call 680 588 377 or email martines@paws-pa tas.org.

Funds raised from the evening will go directly to PAWS-PATAS, a local charity dedicated to res-

cuing, caring for, and rehoming abandoned animals in the area. Events like this help cover food, veterinary care, and shelter costs for the many cats and dogs that rely on their support.

The charity hopes to see both regular supporters and newcomers at the event. “It’s a great way to have fun and support a good cause at the same time,” a spokesperson said.

Whether you’re a quiz expert or just enjoy a friendly challenge, this is a night not to miss.

The three-day festival, organised by the Provincial Council and Crash Music, o ered a mix of concerts, performances, and food and drink tastings. Events took place in scenic spots like village squares and local wineries. Big names like Rosario Flores and Martirio drew large crowds, with Martirio’s concert selling out completely.

The events included poetry readings in Albo-

for families in Beires, and music from artists such as ‘El Xopper’ and the jazz duo Martirio and Chano Domínguez.

Festival Murmura aims to o er something di erent, smaller, and more personal events that let visitors enjoy the area’s natural beauty, local food,

Local officials say the festival is helping to support rural tourism and bring people together.

“Murmura has become a space to share our culture and boost local life,”said Vice President Almudena Morales. Plans are already under way for the next edition in

Quiz night for charity.

Culture in every corner.

Top flamenco

FROM May 22 to 24, the town of Palomares del Rio will host the third edition of the Guirijondo Festival.

This is a one-of-a-kind celebration that honours foreign artists dedicated to flamenco. With France as this year’s guest country, the programme features concerts, talks, tributes, and theatrical performances in a setting steeped in Andalucian culture.

Main events will take place at the Carlos Álvarez-Novoa Municipal Theatre and the historic Arab Baths, with additional activities spread throughout the town. Among this year’s highlights: French cantaor Cristo Cortés, considered one of the finest voices in French flamenco, and young dancer Lucas El Luco,

known from the TV show Tierra de Talento.

The lineup also includes top Spanish artists such as guitarist Raúl El Perla, singer Mari Peña, or the renowned Arcángel, who will close the festival with La ruta del fandango.

The festival’s educational side includes the presentation of Memorias del pellizco, the latest book by flamenco cri-

tic Manuel Bohórquez, and the Cristina Heeren Award, which will be presented to French producer Patrick Bellito. Streets and balconies across Palomares are decorated with flamenco lyrics, turning the town into a living tribute to this UNESCO-recognised art form.

Tickets are available on the Giglon platform, with affordable pricing for all.

New art show

A NEW art exhibition called 4 Miradas (4 Views) has just opened at the La Fuente Art Centre in Mojacar. The show features the work of four artists: Antonia von Braun, Frédérique Edy, Thomas Neukirch, and Uli Schwander.

Each artist has their own unique style, giving visitors a chance to see art from di erent points of view. It’s a group show that invites people to explore a variety of creative expressions in one place.

The exhibition is now open and it will run until June 15. It’s open Monday to Friday, from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

The Culture and Festivities Department

encourages everyone to come and check out this fresh and interesting collection. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some new art right here in Mojacar.

Animal advocates

PROYECTO GATO Almanzora has been working closely with the Olula del Río Town Hall to raise awareness about the town’s stray cat colonies. Recently, with the help of local sta , they put up posters around the municipality.

These posters explain the key points of Law 7/2023, which protects the cats. They tell people what they must do and what is not allowed when it comes to caring for these animals.

The group also encourages anyone interested in helping or volunteering

This is a big step forward for cat lovers in the community.

beyond.

Proyecto Gato Alman-

zora’s work is helping the community learn how to protect and respect the stray cats living in Olula del Río and

Palomares del Rio is the host of Guirijondo Festival.

Credit: Festival Guirijondo - Palomares Flamenco Facebook page.

Mojacar’s art scene.

Support local cat colonies.

Image: Concejalía de Cultura y Festejos Mojácar

Image:

Proyecto Gato Almanzora

Farewell to Casa Cahete

AFTER nearly 75 years of welcoming locals and plenty of tourists, Casa Cahete, one of Almeria’s most beloved bars, will close its doors for good on May 30.

Located in the town of Berja, Casa Cahete first opened in 1952 and has been run by the same family for generations. It became famous for its classic dishes like garlic potatoes, rice with snails, kid goat, and pork

Unexpected fall

WHAT should have been a fun day out for a family at a football match in Garrucha turned into a nightmare when their five-year-old girl fell from the stand. She reportedly fell about three metres and hit her head as the match between Garrucha and Nijar was taking place.

According to the 112 emergency services, they were called out because the little girl was unconscious and she was rushed to the local health centre, then transferred to La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa before being transferred to Torrecardenas University Hospital in Almeria City.

Although a full statement concerning the girl’s state of health was yet to be released at the time of writing, it is understood that although she did receive a small fracture from the fall, she is not currently in serious danger.

loin with garlic, meals that many have enjoyed over the years.

But what made Casa Cahete truly special wasn’t just the food. The old tiled walls, high ceilings with fans, wooden and iron chairs, and even the vintage bathrooms left a lasting impression on visitors. There’s even a tobacco machine that still shows prices in pesetas. Over time, the bar even welcomed some well-known guests.

The bar was started by Antonio Rodríguez, later managed by his sons, and most recently run by Encarna García and her family. Now, as Encarna retires, Casa Cahete will close its doors forever.

It’s the end of an era for Berja and the whole province, a place full of memories and tradition, is saying goodbye.

Chair Yoga

GETTING older brings its own challenges, but no one should face them alone. That’s the mission of Age Support Almanzora, a community-focused group dedicated to helping people stay active, connected, and supported. Following the success of their first Chair Yoga workshop, they’re excited to make this a regular event.

Join them on Friday,

June 6, from 10.00am to 11.30am at Bar Gemini in Almanzora for a fun, free Chair Yoga session led by Maya Bamford. Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about yoga, this gentle exercise class focuses on improving flexibility and well-being, all from the comfort of a chair.

Most participants are trying yoga for the first time, so there’s no

pressure, just a friendly atmosphere and lots of laughs. Plus, the bar will be open if you want a refreshment or a little Dutch courage to get started!

To reserve your seat, call 634 316 573 or 642 045 210. Come along, stretch out, and enjoy the chance to meet others in your community while supporting a great cause.

Image: Shutterstock/ Krakenimages.com

Image: Shutterstock/ Carbonero Stock

Try Chair Yoga with Age Support Almanzora.

Tapa route time

MANY councils across Spain are committed to promote tourism and support local businesses and one way of combining these aims is through the ever popular Ruta de la Tapa.

Joining in with this concept is the Los Gallardos Council and their Ruta de la Tapa takes place from May 23 to June 1 with eight local bars and restaurants taking place.

Each will offer an innovative duo of tapa, consisting in most cases of an appetiser and desert with the cost being set at €4 and those taking part have the chance to win a holiday to Mallorca with a runner up gift of four cheques each valued at €50.

To have a chance to win, participants must obtain a ‘Tapaporte’ (passport) available at participating businesses or the town hall and have them stamped at a minimum of six establishments to show that they have taken part in the route.

The council hasn’t forgotten the participating restaurants as the public are encouraged to vote for their favourite tapa or dessert with a prize for the dish with the most votes.

Mouthwatering

YOU can tell that the summer is approaching with the appearance of watermelons in markets and supermarkets at sensible prices.

Nowadays, the largest production of this sweet and tasty fruit comes from the province of Almeria with around 635,000 tons being produced during the season, the bulk of which comes from greenhouses rather than being grown outside in order to supply the market with plenty of the oval fruit be -

fore any other producers.

For the sixth year running, COEXPHA (the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisations of Almeria) is running a promotion to encourage more people to purchase watermelons and this year’s ‘tagline’ is ‘There is no summer without the first European watermelon’ and the promotion will be supported by a short video which will be shown in cinemas across Madrid.

Launch of the watermelon promotion.

Game on

FROM May 23 to 25, six towns in Almeria’s Levante area, Mojacar, Pulpi, Garrucha, Vera, Cuevas del Almanzora, and Los Gallardos, will host the second Andalucian Youth Handball Cup.

The tournament brings together 48 teams from across Andalucia, with boys and girls competing in three age groups: under-12 (alevín), under-14 (infantil), and under-16 (cadete). Matches will include quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals, along with games to decide final rankings.

Around 1,000 young players will take part, and the event is expected to draw between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors, including families, coaches, and supporters.

It’s a big moment for lo-

cal sport, and a welcome boost for shops, hotels, and restaurants in the area.

It’s not just about the competition, but also giving young athletes the chance to enjoy the game and gain experience. After a success-

ful first year, organisers are confident this year’s event will be just as well received.

With three full days of handball ahead, the towns involved are getting ready to welcome teams from every corner of Andalucia.

Sweet like chocolate

workshop for children.

CALLING all young chocolate fans! A special chocolate workshop for children is happening on Saturday, June 24, at La Renfe in Zurgena. It’s part of the town’s very first Food and Craft Fair.

The workshop starts at 11.30am and is perfect for children with a sweet tooth who want to learn how to make their own tasty treats.

Spaces are limited, so booking ahead is a must. You can sign up by visiting Zur-

gena Town Hall or calling 610 194 260 This hands-on activity will give childen a chance to get creative in the kitchen and have some fun while learning new skills. It’s a great way to spend the morning, and families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the atmosphere of the fair.

Don’t miss out, this is a great way to kick off the summer and enjoy something sweet with the community.

Onwards & upwards with PAWS-PATAS

IF you’ve not discovered Almeria yet properly, now is your opportunity.

Cathy, one of our wonderful volunteers, is o ering €5 donation to us on all tickets booked for her ‘Small Group Tours’, a 15 per cent discount on groups of two to four, and 20 per cent discount for ve.

Choose from a twohour tour for €30pp, Food & Drinks Tour in the Old Town for €90pp or combine the two.

Upcoming events:

Every Sunday - Juke Box DJ at Zeppelin, Mojacar Playa. From 9pm. One song = €1. All proceeds to PAWS-PATAS.

NEW – Our rst fun quiz on Friday May 23 at Badgers, Mojacar Playa. Enjoy bomb bingo, speed bingo, the quiz and sticky 13’s. Just €3 with our guest ‘master quizzer’ from the

UK. Optional full menu available. Booking essential. Please reserve via martines@paws-patas.org or whatsapp 680 588 377. May 30 and 31, June 1Shoestring Productions perform ‘Grabbed by the Trousers’ at Tito’s Space, Mojacar Playa, written by Sue Osman. This is the fth in their trilogy of farces of the Hotel La Resistance productions. €10. Tickets from Utopia, Lemon Lounge or PAWS-PATAS shop, Mojacar Playa. May 31 - Cuteness overload at our Kitten/ Puppy Adoption Day at PAWS-PATAS, Las Buganvillas, 10.30am12.30pm. Come and meet the newest members of our PAWS-PATAS family. Enjoy cake and co ee too. Visit the events calendar on our FB page to keep up to date. www.paws-patas.org

Sport brings communities together.

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The villa includes two living-dining rooms: the ground floor one has large windows with access to a covered porch and garden, while the upper floor living room opens to two spacious terraces. The four bedrooms and two bathrooms are spread across both levels, offering privacy and flexibility. The layout ensures comfortable and functional living on each floor.

This property is not part of a gated community, so there are no shared common areas. However, it boasts its own private attractions including a generously landscaped plot, private swimming pool, and garage - providing outdoor spaces for personal enjoyment. These features create a self-contained environment for those seeking an independent home with exterior amenities.

This villa is an excellent opportunity for those who value independence, space, and proximity to essential services in the Calabardina, Aguilas area. Its location offers convenient access to local amenities, making it ideal for practical, well-connected living. If you’re looking for a spacious, functional, and move-in-ready home, don’t hesitate to contact Grupo Platinum Estates on +34 950 466 112. We’re here to help you find your new home. And if you’re looking to sell your property, we can assist with that too.

Coffee & kittens

PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter will hold a special event on Saturday, May 31, at Centro Comercial Las Buganvillas. The event begins at 10.30am and invites everyone to enjoy co ee and cake while meeting some of the shelter’s adorable ki-

ttens and puppies.

This kitten and puppy adoption and co ee morning is a chance for animal lovers to support a good cause. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, browse local stalls, and maybe even nd a new furry friend to take home. Volunteers from the shelter will be available to answer questions about adoption and the work PAWS-PATAS does for animals in the region.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the animal shelter, which relies on community support to care for abandoned and rescued animals. Whether you’re looking to adopt, want to learn more about the shelter, or just enjoy a morning out with co ee and cake, everyone is welcome.

PAWS-PATAS encourages visitors to stop by, support their work, and help give these kittens a second chance.

112 Down

HOSPITALS and health centres in Almeria suffered a major phone line failure on Tuesday May 20 due to a widespread network issue affecting Telefónica’s digital system.

The outage, which impacted all eight provinces in Andalucia and other parts of Spain, left emergency number 112 unable to receive calls between 7.15 and 8.40am. Other emergency numbers were also affected.

In Almeria, along with Jaen, Huelva, and Malaga, phone lines were restored later that morning. The Andalucian health service confirmed that contingency plans were activated to ensure services continued without interruption.

INTERVIEW

Emergency number 061 remained operational throughout the incident, and no serious issues were reported in patient care.

However some hospitals and health centres in Sevilla, Cadiz, Cordoba, and Granada were still dealing with phone line problems throughout the day.

Regional officials said the disruption may have been linked to a failure in Telefónica’s MPLS data network, which supports the 112 service and other emergency lines. The public has been reassured that systems are in place to manage this type of technical failure if it happens again.

Kyell Haugen: Norway and Spain

- Speaking European

Kyell Haugen’s connection to Spain dates back to the start of the century. An electrician and former technical chief on oil platforms, Haugen chose l’Alfas del Pi as his second home after a life spent travelling and working across ve continents.

AT 60, Haugen has stories from the coasts of Brazil to the deserts of Egypt, having also worked o shore in Nigeria, Angola, Norway and beyond.

“I’ve spent the last ve years constantly travelling,” he tells Euro Weekly News

But it was back in 2001 when he realised that his life needed a new rhythm, a di erent setting. That’s when he moved with his family to l’Alfas del Pi, a town in Alicante with a strong Norwegian presence.

Credit:

“We wanted a di erent life,” he explains. After an initial visit in 2000, the family secured school places for their chil-

dren at the local Norwegian school. Working in the oil industry made that balance possible, thanks to the proximity of Alicante airport.

As president of the Norwegian Club in l’Alfas, Haugen is both witness to and participant in the vibrant community life shared by foreign residents and locals.

“There’s a system here that works for those of us who come from abroad,” he says. From friendships to strong collaboration with the local council, Haugen sees integration as something that requires an open mind.

Major phone outage.

Image: Shutterstock/Mircea Moira

Kyell Haugen during his speech on Norway’s National Day in l’Alfas del Pi.

Coffee, cake & cuddles

Image: Shutterstock/ Ermolaev Alexander

Capital of coffee

THE Finnish capital, Helsinki, is rapidly gaining fame as the capital of coffee and usurping Vienna’s position from the top spot.

Finland’s prolific coffee-drinking culture, averaging four cups daily per person, has evolved into a hip, diverse, sustainable scene. The Helsinki Coffee Festival, held annually at the end of April, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025 as the Nordic region’s largest coffee event, drawing fans, roasters, and baristas to explore innovative flavours and eco-conscious practices.

Finland’s coffee obsession, which began in its social traditions, sees consumption at work, home, and events like birthdays and funerals. While filter coffee remains the most popular,

Credit: Richard Melton - Flickr

Helsinki’s scene has diversified with more than 50 independent roasters, including Kaffa Roastery and Good Life Coffee, named the Nordic’s best in 2024.

The festival highlighted this change, with visitors tasting responsibly sourced beans and learning home-brewing techniques. Classic cafés like Ekberg (est. 1852) and Fazer Café are age-old producers not experimenting with new variations, while progressive roasters are promoting more the traditional and more natural, taking coffee back to its origins.

From university students cramming all night for an exam to social and family gatherings, coffee is more popular than ever, to the point that it is becoming an obsession in Scandinavia.

Alcampo closing stores

ALCAMPO, one of Spain’s most recognisable supermarket chains, is closing 25 stores and laying off 710 employees as part of a major restructuring plan announced in May 2025. The move follows declining sales, overlapping locations, and profit losses. It comes after Alcampo withdrew from the Russian market and reported a 1 per cent drop in sales across Spain.

Although official confirmation is pending, the closures are expected to affect stores in select municipalities in Catalonia, as well as in Andalucia, Madrid, and Palencia. Worker unions have criticised the company for poor communication and a lack of alternative solutions. They are urging redeployment of staff instead of dismissals.

This is part of a broader trend in Spani-

For shoppers, it marks the loss of familiar stores.

sh retail. Supermarkets such as Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl are also shifting strategies, investing in smaller urban formats, AI-powered logistics, and enhanced delivery infrastructure. These changes reflect evolving consumer habits in a post-pandemic, high-inflation economy,

LIBRARIANS at Lady Margaret Hall, part of the University of Oxford in the UK, have graciously accepted the return of three library books that were 20 years overdue.

The books, Anatomy of Abuses by Philip Stubbes, An Historical Introduction to the Marprelate Tracts by William Pierce, and The Lord Protector: Religion and Politics in the Life of Oliver Cromwell by Robert S. Paul, were accompanied by a handwritten note from a former student.

In the note, the sender explained they had borrowed the books as an undergraduate two decades ago and had only just found them while unpacking old boxes.

“Please forgive me,” the note read.

The college shared the story, expressing gratitude for the return. “Better 20 years late than never,” they wrote. “This note and three overdue LMH Library books were delivered to our librarian this week. Thanks to the sender for getting them back home in the end, all is forgiven!”

where convenience increasingly outweighs tradition.

For employees, job security is now at risk.

For shoppers, it marks the loss of familiar stores. But for the retail industry, it signals a move towards a leaner, more digital future - ready or not.

Please forgive me the note said.

Famed Ekberg coffee house in Helsinki.

Pilot caught short

ON Friday, February 16, 2024, a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Sevilla faced a critical incident when both lots were absent from the controls for 10 minu tes.

The Spanish Civil Avia tion Accident and Incident Investigation Commission released its report on May 16, 2025, raising serious safety concerns.

A Lufthansa flight faced a critical incident.

The flight, with 199 passengers and six crew members, encountered issues when the captain left the cockpit for ‘physiological reasons’. During his absence, the co-pilot suffered a sudden incapacitation, fainting due to an undetected pre-existing medical condition.

Slumping onto the controls, the co-pilot inadvertently shifted the flight controls, but the autopilot and autothrust systems kept the flight path for approximately 10 minutes without human oversight.

The captain returned using an emergency code to open the cockpit door, quickly

diverted the plane, and landed safely in Madrid, where the co-pilot received immediate medical attention. The report labeled the incident a ‘serious operational vulnerability’, stressing the need for an authorised person in the cockpit at all times.

The incident, exposed flaws in aviation safety protocols, and reignited discussions on cockpit management and pilot health monitoring. For passengers with a fear of flying, the event offers little reassurance, highlighting the risks of reduced cockpit oversight and the importance of robust safety measures in aviation.

Sauna bus

Credit: Saunabussi

HELSINKI’S bizarre ‘Sauna Bus’ tours have steamed into international notoriety by luring curious tourists in 2025.

First launched in 2023 by local entrepreneur Jari Aalto, the converted coach, equipped with a wood-fired sauna, offers mobile steam sessions through the city’s scenic streets, complete with stop offs for a dip in a lake.

The unique sightseeing tour, incorporating Finland’s sauna culture with a cultural education of the city,

has become top of the list for tourist attractions for many.

The bus hosts up to 12 guests per tour, stopping at iconic spots like Suomenlinna and Lake Tuusula for refreshing icy plunges.

“It’s sauna on wheels - pure Finnish joy,” said Lahtinen.

Social media buzz, coupled with viral videos of towelclad tourists dashing into icy waters, has led to masses of bookings, with 2025 tours sold out through summer.

Visit Finland reports a 30 per cent spike in sauna-re-

lated tourism, crediting the bus as the fuel to the fire. The people of Helsinki like the quirky venture, with some jokingly proposing a ‘sauna tram’ next. The tours, priced at €50 per person, include towels and traditional vihta birch whisks.

As Helsinki’s sauna bus rolls on, confirming Finland’s reputation for the eccentric. So popular has the trend become, that it has spread to Japan where you can now tour the country in a mobile sauna too.

The sauna bus also stops for a dip in a lake.

Your

For some it’s preserving tradition while ensuring animal welfare.

Should Spain ban donkey rides completely? VOICE

ACROSS Spain, a debate is unfolding over a familiar sight in many tourist townsdonkey rides. Once a popular tourist attraction, these rides are now under scrutiny due to concerns about animal welfare. Animal rights advocates argue that these donkeys endure harsh conditions, such as long working hours, insufficient rest, and exposure to extreme heat, all for the sake of entertainment

Some municipalities are already taking action. The local council of Mijas on the Costa del Sol, famous for its ‘burro taxis’, has rolled out new welfare rules such as halting rides during heatwaves and creating better living conditions for the animals. They’re also planning a recreational park where people can meet the donkeys in a respectful and educational setting.

For some, this is a potential compromise, preserving tradition while ensuring animal welfare, though many people insist that only a full ban will truly protect the donkeys. We asked our readers for their thoughts.

Sheree Ruiz says, “Donkey rides should not be for adults, and for kids they should have a height, weight or age limit...” Many other readers, such as Karen Joy Harley and Cherryl N Manuel Calvo-Suarez, agree.

Deb Horses echoes this, noting potential consequences of a ban: “No. A donkey is

not built for a 209-pound tourist! They are great for kids and small frames. If you prohibit donkey rides, they will end up at the slaughter house to become dog food. I am in favour of limits, shade, water, vet supervision, etc.”

David Cooke defends the rides, saying, “Donkeys have been used to carry heavy loads for millenniums, ie mines, farms, construction, etc. If they’re banned from use, humanely, in first world countries, we’d sell them to the third world... There’s a cost to keep them alive for no reason.”

Pete Colman suggests addressing other forms of animal-based entertainment first: “Let’s start with bull running and fighting.”

Ken J Brooks challenges the inconsistency in how society views other working animals: “If you don’t want donkey rides then stop all working animals, eg police dogs and horses having to confront an angry, violent mob, dogs going into collapsed buildings, earthquakes and war zones, etc. These environments are far more dangerous...”

In conclusion, while most responses support a ban, many express concerns about the donkeys’ future if rides are stopped entirely. Some advocate for strict regulations and better conditions as a more sustainable solution. Regardless of the approach, it’s clear that protecting the welfare of the donkeys is the top priority.

Ireland’s brain gain

Credit: Yan Krukau, Pexels

IRELAND has launched a €1.485 billion Global Talent Initiative to attract international academics, particularly those unsettled by political shifts in the United States. Announced on May 13 by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, the scheme aims to position Ireland as a leading hub for research talent.

The initiative will offer generous salaries, research support, and startup funding to early-career and established researchers. Funded through the National Training Fund until 2030, it will also support capital

projects, university infrastructure, and strategic scientific sectors.

Led by Research Ireland, the national research agency, the programme targets talent in priority fields such as energy and food security, life sciences, digital technologies, AI, semiconductors, and quantum research. These align with Ireland’s involvement in major European research networks, including CERN and the EU Quantum Technologies flagship.

Lawless described the move as both symbolic and practical, stating Ireland would be “a host for the best and brightest fleeing the US university

system” amid concerns over academic freedom and economic instability under President Trump.

Reactions have been mixed. Some academics welcome the investment, but others question its reach. Critics argue domestic underfunding persists and Irish institutions remain uncompetitive. Lawless maintains the initiative will be ‘transformational’.

Research Ireland, established in 2023, will oversee the programme.

From September, its new CEO will be Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation at Cambridge University.

Cinnamon bun crime

A WOMAN in her 70s in Norrbotten, Sweden, started selling home-made bread and pastries in 2019, but without a registered business and without having a government-approved kitchen for food production. Her cinnamon buns, in particular, became a hit with locals.

She was given a fine by the local council, but despite repeated pressure, she did not pay. The case first gained attention in autumn 2024 when the woman was ultimately sentenced to one month and 14 days in prison after continuing her sales and not paying any fines.

The verdict is being appealed to the Court of Appeal for Upper Norrland, which has heard the case and is now pondering the sentence:

“She has a very hard time wondering what it is she has done that is so wrong and is unsure what spending six weeks in prison will look like,” says the woman’s lawyer, Frida Larsson.

Larsson has previously explained that the woman had financial difficulties in

paying the fine imposed, as she is a pensioner. The woman herself believes that her baking is not about profit and that she only sold baked goods to cover the costs of ingredients. She has described her interest in baking as a hobby that she likes to share with others on social media.

Everyone is aware that it is difficult to change the court’s decision, but she is still considering an appeal to the Supreme Court, says lawyer Frida Larsson.

International students.

Jailed for selling cinnamon buns.

Credit: Marcos Castillo - Shutterstock

Genalguacil: A living museum in the mountains

GENALGUACIL is one of those places that feel like a well-kept secret. Set on the slopes of the Sierra Bermeja in Malaga, it’s a tiny village where art and nature meet. Whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and views of the Genal Valley make it feel timeless, but what truly sets it apart is its transformation into a living museum - an open-air gallery where every corner hides a creative surprise. If you’re travelling by campervan, Camping Genal is the closest and most convenient spot to stay. Just a couple of kilometres away, it offers basic amenities in a peaceful, wooded setting. From there, you can either walk into town or drive and park just outside the village.

with Hispavan Campers

Art as a way of life seum

of Contemporary Art (MAC) down with a glass of sweet Mala-

Illegal listings

SPAIN’S government has ordered Airbnb to take down more than 65,000 listings that fail to meet legal requirements, and a Madrid court has now backed the move. The decision follows a campaign by the Ministry of Consumer A airs to regulate the fastgrowing short-term rental market.

The core issue is licensing. In many Spanish regions, tourist rentals must display an o cial registration number. Thousands of Airbnb listings either lack this number, use false information, or fail to clarify whether the host is a private individual or a business. This creates legal uncertainty for both authorities and travellers.

Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy’s department identi ed nearly 66,000 listings that did not comply. Airbnb resisted calls to remove them, but the Superior Court of

Rare tsunami alert

Justice in Madrid has now ordered the rst 5,800 to be taken down immediately. Further removals are expected.

The crackdown is not limited to Airbnb. In recent months, the government has launched proceedings against several holiday rental rms for failing to provide clear host information. Major letting

agency Alquiler Seguro was also sanctioned for charging illegal fees.

Travellers are advised to check their bookings for valid registration details. Hosts, meanwhile, are being urged to ensure compliance. After years of concerns about unregulated rentals, Spain appears determined to enforce clearer rules across the sector.

Gas bottle price rise

A QUIET cost-of-living increase has hit Spanish households as the price of bottled gas rises once more. For millions, butane cylinders, ‘bombonas’, are not a relic of rural life but a daily necessity, and now they are more expensive again.

On Tuesday, May 20, the cost of a standard butane cylinder rose by 1.87 per cent, bringing the o cial price to €18, according to the Spanish government. It’s another burden for households already coping with rising rents, grocery prices and energy instability.

The increase has drawn little attention - no protests, no parliamentary debates - just a silent pressure on those who rely on this essential fuel.

In rural areas, bottled gas remains a lifeline. Many homes lack access to natural gas networks. Others prefer bottles for

Bottled gas is essential to many households.

heating water or cooking due to their portability and, until recently, a ordability. Pensioners, families in older ats and households with irregular work often rely on these canisters. For them, a few euros can mean the di erence between warmth and cold, a meal or none.

The causes are familiar:

global energy trends, ination and supply constraints. Unlike electricity, bottled gas price hikes draw less scrutiny. With a partially liberalised market, prices uctuate more freely, often without warning. In a country facing energy poverty and rising costs, this quiet increase will hit the most vulnerable hardest.

A POWERFUL earthquake struck between southern Italy and Greece, one of Europe’s most tectonically active regions, triggering a rare tsunami alert. Though no major waves were recorded, the tremor was strong enough to prompt warnings and highlight underlying seismic tensions.

The magnitude 6+ quake was felt in Athens, Naples, Tirana, and along Turkey’s west coast. Authorities issued tsunami alerts, suspended ferry routes, and urged people to avoid beaches. While no tsunami developed, the alert re ected the seriousness of the seismic threat in the Mediterranean.

The region is often overlooked when it comes to tsunamis, commonly associated with the Paci c. However, the Afri-

can plate is slowly colliding with Europe beneath the Mediterranean. Greece accounts for about half of all seismic activity in Europe, and southern Italy is also prone to such events.

There is no immediate warning of a larger quake. The European-Mediterranean Seismic Centre expects aftershocks but no stronger tremor. Nevertheless, experts have reminded coastal towns, many of which host millions of summer tourists, that if a tsunami does form, they will have only minutes to respond.

Beneath the Mediterranean’s calm surface lies a fractured world of shifting plates. This recent quake is a stark reminder that seismic tensions persist, especially during the busy summer season.

Spain orders Airbnb to remove thousands of listings that failed to meet legal requirements, sparking a major crackdown on unlicensed rentals.

Credit : Diego Thomazini, Shutterstock

There was no immediate warning of a larger earthquake.

GERMANY

Nurse misconduct

THREE nurses in a German hospital livestreamed from an intensive care unit during their night shift, showing sensitive patient data and medical equipment. The hospital responded immediately by suspending the staff involved. The incident sparked public debate about data protection and professional conduct in the healthcare sector.

Auto-hater

IN Magdeburg a vandal dubbed the ‘auto-hater’ has targeted vehicles across seven streets, damaging at least 75 cars by slashing tyres, scratching paint, and spraying foam. Affected families expressed frustration and demanded justice. The community is on edge, urging authorities to apprehend the perpetrator and restore safety.

PORTUGAL

Tree theft

PUBLIC prosecutors are investigating the disappearance of eight hectares of timber in Aguiar da Beira. The large-scale logging, which happened within a week, has raised suspicions of theft or unauthorised removal. Authorities are working to determine if the felling was legal, amid concerns about unofficial permits during an election year and significant local economic loss.

Surprise driver

IN Castro Marim, an Alzheimer’s patient managed to drive off in an ambulance, prompting a police investigation. The incident occurred after the patient had been transported to the hospital for a routine consultation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the patient’s discharge and subsequent actions.

NORWAY

Presidential visit

NORWAY’S Royal House announced that Princess Mette-Marit met with King Harald V last week to officially welcome former US President Barack Obama at the royal residence in Oslo. Obama gave a lecture on global challenges and democracy, highlighting Mette-Marit’s growing role in Norwegian diplomacy.

AI impact

NORWAY’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, will freeze hiring due to increased efficiency from artificial intelligence. CEO Nicolai Tangen explained that AI has improved data analysis and decision-making, reducing operational costs and the need for workforce expansion.

EURO PRESS

ITALY

Museum boom

IN 2024, Italy’s museums and archaeological parks set a new record by attracting more than 60 million visitors, marking a 5 per cent increase from the previous year.

Ticket revenue also saw a significant rise, reaching €382 million, up 23 per cent from 2023. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli highlighted that these figures surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Green light

Credit: Shutterstock / Lucky-photographer Italy’s museums set a new record.

DENMARK has permanently legalised medical cannabis, ending its pilot programme and starting a full rollout in January 2026. However, concerns remain about the subsidy system, which favours a single pharmacy, limiting competition and patient access. Industry leaders urge the government to address these issues before the new system’s full implementation.

Power shift

DENMARK is considering lifting its 40-yearold nuclear power ban to boost energy security and support the green transition. Energy Minister Lars Aagaard plans to evaluate modern nuclear options like small modular reactors, with a report due next year. The move aligns with a wider European shift amid increasing energy demands.

Driving dilemma

IN Sweden, criticism has emerged over the use of PEth tests to revoke driving licences. These tests detect alcohol consumption over several weeks, but some individuals have lost their licences despite medical assessments indicating no alcohol dependency. The Transport Agency is reviewing regulations, acknowledging that these results alone may not be sufficient grounds for licence revocation.

Bubbly find

A GROUP of polish divers discovered a 170-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Sweden, containing around 100 bottles of Champagne, mineral water, and porcelain, believed to have been en route to Tsar Alexander II. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into 19th-century winemaking practices and the preservation of goods in the Baltic Sea’s conditions

FRANCE DENMARK

NETHERLANDS

Jaws abroad

THE Mediterranean toothed jaws spider (Galeodes araneoides), native to southern Europe, has been discovered in the Netherlands for the first time. This arachnid is known for its formidable chelicerae, which resemble sharp pincers. Its presence in the Netherlands marks a significant expansion of its range for unclear reasons.

Electric jam

THE Netherlands is facing challenges in meeting the growing electricity demand from data centres. Some areas have reached their grid capacity limits, leading to delays in connections and threatening the country’s digital innovation ambitions. Experts warn that without infrastructure improvements, the Netherlands risks losing its competitive edge in the global digital economy.

IRELAND

Slow start

IN Ireland, learner drivers face an average 23-week wait for driving tests, far exceeding the 10-week target. Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward proposed free tests for those waiting over 10 weeks, calling the situation a ‘scandal’. The Road Safety Authority is recruiting 200 new testers to reduce delays and improve access.

Cork crackdown

IN Cork, a man in his 20s and three youths were arrested after Gardaí seized more than €33,000 worth of cannabis during a vehicle stop and a subsequent home search. The individuals were detained under drug trafficking laws, with the seized cannabis sent for forensic analysis as investigations continue.

Musk harassment

A FRENCH court has ruled that Elon Musk’s emails to a former Twitter employee amounted to workplace harassment. The Paris Court of Appeal determined that the employee, who was on maternity leave when Musk acquired Twitter, was unfairly dismissed and subjected to moral harassment. The court ordered Twitter France to pay nearly €90,000 in damages.

Mosquito release

IN Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, authorities are combating the invasive tiger mosquito by releasing up to 10 million sterile male mosquitoes. This initiative aims to reduce the population by preventing reproduction. The project, costing €52,000, involves releasing 40,000 sterile males weekly until autumn. Residents have expressed support.

FINLAND SWEDEN

Ranking drop

FINLAND has dropped from fifth to 17th place in UNICEF’s child well-being rankings. The report cites rising suicide rates, increasing childhood obesity, and declining educational outcomes. While child mortality improved, concerns remain over life satisfaction and social skills, prompting calls for better mental health and social services.

Royal return

FINLAND returned the Kataklé, a ceremonial royal stool from the Kingdom of Dahomey, to Benin in a restitution ceremony last week. Looted by French colonisers in 1892, the artifact had been held by Finland’s National Museum since 1939. The handover strengthens cultural and scientific cooperation between the two nations.

BELGIUM

Rock robbery

BRUGES officials are urging tourists to stop stealing cobblestones from historic areas like Minnewater and the Markt. Around 50-70 stones go missing each month, especially during peak tourist seasons. The theft damages heritage sites, creates safety hazards due to uneven pavements, and restoration costs €200 per square metre.

Monkey milestone

PAIRI DAIZA ZOO in Belgium has become the first European zoo to house the critically endangered Qinling golden snub-nosed monkey. Three individuals arrived from China under a 10-year conservation agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association. This collaboration aims to enhance research and protection efforts for the species.

Venice fights for its soul

Credit: Wolfgang Moroder/ Creative Commons

VENICE is one of the most iconic cities in the world, but living there is becoming harder every year. With nearly 30 million visitors annually and fewer than 50,000 residents left, the city is overwhelmed.

Most tourists only stay for the day, spending little and crowding the narrow streets. Meanwhile, locals face rising rents, fewer essential shops, and limited job options outside of tourism.

Still, some Venetians are

finding ways to push back. Emanuele Dal Carlo created Fairbnb, a vacation rental platform that only allows local owners and puts part of its fees into community projects.

Others focus on keeping traditions alive, like Elena Almansi, who teaches Venetian rowing to visitors in a way that respects the city’s culture.

Creativity also plays a role. Designer Michela Bortolozzi came back to Venice during

the pandemic and started making unique souvenirs that tell a deeper story. In Murano, Matteo Silverio is giving glass waste a new life with 3D printing.

At the same time, researchers like Fabio Carrera are exploring ways to make the city more livable - from better public transport to protecting the lagoon. Many believe that with the right mix of thoughtful tourism and local support, Venice still has a chance to survive as a real, living city.

Alerts spark panic

Apple wants to ensure it get its 30 per cent cut.

PICTURE yourself scrolling through your iPhone’s App Store, hunting for a nifty app to check car history or book a holiday.

Suddenly, a red exclamation mark screams ‘warning’ on an app like Instacar. Your heart skips - has your phone sniffed out a scam? Not quite.

A Verge article revealed that Apple’s playing a crafty game across Spain and the EU, slapping scary alerts on apps that dodge its payment system. That isn’t about safety - it’s a power move, and users need to know what’s happening.

Since March 2024, the EU’s Digital Markets Act has forced Apple to let apps use third-party payment systems, freeing developers from Apple’s hefty 30 per cent cut.

Big names like Spotify and Patreon now link

to their websites for cheaper deals, saving you cash. But Apple’s not happy. It’s plastering warnings on apps like Hungary’s Instacar, claiming they lack its ‘private and secure payment system’.

In Spain, where 80 per cent of smartphone users are on iOS, these alerts are causing a stir. Shoppers in Madrid and Malaga are hesitating, thinking legit apps are risky. The European Commission fined Apple €500 million last month for anti-competitive tricks, yet these warnings persist, as they seem to dodge around the rules. These apps aren’t inherently unsafe - Stripe and PayPal, used by many, are rock-solid.

Check reviews, stick to trusted developers, and save a few euros with external payments.

The Grand Canal in Venice.

FINANCE

BUSINESS EXTRA

Space race

THE European Space Agency (ESA) has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a proposed 24 per cent NASA budget cut. This shift in space cooperation aims to secure ESA’s projects amid uncertainty from traditional partners, especially due to the US’s funding reduction.

Energy cuts

NEW EU standards on energy use for electrical appliances have come into effect, aiming to cut energy consumption and reduce household bills. The updated rules cover devices in standby, off mode, and networked standby, tightening limits to ensure appliances use less power when not in active use.

April increase

PORTUGAL’S inflation rate rose to 2.1 per cent in April, up 0.2 per cent from March. Core inflation also climbed to 2.1 per cent, compared to 1.9 per cent the previous month, matching estimates from the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics.

Enduring appeal

DESPITE global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, Europe remains a top choice for international travellers. As travel costs rise, more people are seeking better value, choosing destinations that offer quality without high prices. Early 2025 data shows a strong return in visitor numbers.

German data

GERMANY’S inflation data showed a 2.1 per cent yearon-year CPI, with a 0.4 per cent monthly increase. Energy prices fell 5.4 per cent, but food prices rose 2.8 per cent. Core inflation remained at 2.9 per cent, driven by a 3.9 per cent rise in services prices and a 0.5 per cent increase in goods prices.

100m STAT OF WEEK

SPAIN’S economy is growing fast. While it’s unclear how long this will last or whether the growth will make a big difference to people’s everyday lives, the overall economic numbers look very strong. The country’s GDP rose in 2024, and future predictions are positive.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) now ranks Spain as the 12th largest economy in the world, up from 15th. This jump is due to rising population, more jobs, a tourism boom, EU support, and a boost in productivity.

However, a high GDP doesn’t mean people’s lives are better. It shows the size of an economy, not the quality of life. Other measures like GDP per person or the UN’s Human Development Index give a fuller picture. Still, Spain’s recent growth has drawn global attention and made it a stronger player in Europe’s economy.

In 2023, Spain’s GDP hit €1.43 trillion. By 2025, it’s expected to reach €1.59 trillion, passing Mexico, Australia, and South Korea.

IN 2024, real wages rose across much of Europe, led by Eastern European countries. Of 32 nations analysed, only four saw purchasing power fall once inflation was considered. Nominal wages increased in nearly all countries, though Finland recorded a slight decline. Inflation reduced wage gains in some areas, but overall, real wages improved. Turkey led with nominal wage growth of 82.9 per cent and real growth of 15.5 per cent, though its inflation data has been questioned. Romania and Bulgaria followed, with real wage growth of 14.3 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively. Malta, Hungary,

Borderless Bizum

SINCE its launch in 2016, Bizum has grown into one of Spain’s most widely used payment platforms. Now, its Spanish users have reason to celebrate: Bizum is expanding beyond Spain’s borders. According to the Organisation of Consumers and Users, Bizum has reached agreements with similar services in Andorra, Portugal, and Italy. This means users in Spain will now be able to send money to people with bank accounts in these neighbouring European countries, marking a new step forward in cross-border payments for the platform.

Spain surges

Even more unexpectedly, Spain is set to keep this position until at least 2030.

A key reason is population growth. Spain could gain three million people by 2030, mostly from immigration, which boosts the workforce. If job creation and productivity stay strong, GDP will

Pay rise

Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania also saw real increases above 7 per cent. Southern Europe saw moderate gains Italy rising 2.7 per cent, followed by Cyprus, Spain, and Gree ce. Among major economies, Italy topped the list. Belgium, Finland, Iceland, and Luxembourg saw real wages fall. Overall, Eastern Europe outperformed, while Nordic and Benelux countries lagged.

keep rising. The IMF also predicts income per person will rise from €32,000 to €37,645 by 2030. With a growth rate of 2.5 per cent expected in 2025, Spain is rebounding after years of decline. Immigration and stronger job markets are helping the country climb back up the global rankings.

Plant power

THE European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed a €20 million loan with Heura Foods, a Spanish startup based in Barcelona. The funding will help Heura expand and promote its range of plant-based food products. Known for its focus on sustainability and innovation, Heura is one of the leading companies in the plant-based food sector in Europe.

The company works to improve the nutritional value of its products by cutting out saturated fats and cholesterol, instead using ingredients that are high in fibre, antioxidants, and protein.

24 to 26 24 to 26 º Heura is part of the growing bioeconomy movement, aiming to create healthier and more sustainable food options without relying on animal-based in-

Nissan cuts

NISSAN is cutting around 20,000 jobs, which is about 15 per cent of its global workforce.

The losses come as part of a major restructuring plan following a net loss of ¥671 billion (€4 billion) for the financial year ending in March.

The figure marks a sharp decline from the previous year’s €2.6 billion profit.

The losses were driven by falling vehicle sales in China and other markets, along with high restructuring expenses.

The job cuts are part of a broader strategy to build a more flexible and resilient business capable of responding quickly to market changes.

SONY has reported an 18 per cent profit increase for the year ending March 31, earning 1.14 trillion yen (€6.9 billion), up from 970.6 billion yen (€5.9 billion). Growth was driven by strong music and video game performance.

Overall sales slightly dipped to 13 trillion yen (€78.9 billion). While financial services revenue was mostly flat, the film division and imaging and sensor solutions unit delivered solid results. Despite a minor sales decline, Sony’s entertainment and tech sectors helped boost annual profits significantly.

MICROSOFT has started cutting around 6,000 jobs. This amounts to 3 per cent of its global workforce, marking its largest layoff round in over two years. The layoffs primarily impact the US’s Washington state, with nearly 2,000 roles tied to its Redmond headquarters, especially in software engineering and product management.

The company aims to reduce management positions while affecting staff across various levels, departments, and regions. This move comes as Microsoft continues its heavy investment in artificial intelligence.

IN response to the US President’s tariff policy, carmakers are increasing their manufacturing operations in the US. Mercedes-Benz Group AG confirmed it will shift production of its top-selling GLC SUV from Germany to the US. The company had announced plans to move production of a key vehicle but hadn’t specified which model. This decision aims to avoid higher import costs and strengthen the brand’s position in the American market.

The number of cyberattacks attempting to breach the defences of UK bank NatWest every month. The bank also blocks around a third of emails coming into its system.

Spain is rebounding after years of decline.

LONDON - FTSE 100

3I Group 3.967,00 3.974,00 3.928,00 48,89K Admiral Group 3.276,0 3.296,0 3.276,0 31,74K

Airtel Africa 177,20 177,70 175,20 3,09M Anglo American 2.074,5 2.084,0 2.060,0 119,26K Antofagasta 1.817,50 1.823,00 1.808,50 2,03K Ashtead Group 4.325,0 4.358,0 4.319,0 21,29K Associated British Foods 2.082,0 2.100,0 2.081,0 16,41K

10.300,0 10.356,0 10.288,0 52,63K Auto Trader Group Plc 874,40 876,60 872,20 17,45K Aviva 585,60 588,60 585,00 301,73K

B&M European Value Retail SA 341,30 344,50 341,30 57,3K

BAE Systems 1.748,00 1.756,00 1.745,00 136,69K Barclays 323,05 325,05 322,09 1,69M Barratt Redrow 467,40 470,63 466,70 91,67K

Beazley 905,00 910,50 905,00 25,38K

Berkeley 4.206,0 4.229,0 4.202,0 3,85K

BP 369,25 369,75 365,50 1,89M

British American Tobacco 3.170,0 3.185,0 3.163,0 130,56K BT Group 165,85 168,35 165,85 539,46K

2.504,0 2.512,0 2.500,0 21,43K

149,40 150,10 149,05 546,17K

2.595,00 2.625,00 2.595,00 73,6K

BUSINESS EXTRA

Nest stake

BRITISH pension fund Nest (National Employment Savings Trust) has acquired a 10 per cent stake in Industry Super Holdings, the parent company of IFM Investors.

This makes them the first foreign owners in the history of Australia’s largest pensions-based investment manager.

Digital shift

BANCO Santander will close 18 US branches, about 4.5 per cent of its network, per a filing with US regulators.

The move aligns with its broader strategy to invest in digitalisation outside Spain, according to Europa Press.

Liquid gold recovery

AFTER two tough years of drought, poor harvests, and record-high prices, Spain’s olive oil industry is showing signs of recovery.

As a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and rural economy, olive oil enters the 2024/25 season with renewed optimism. For now, the extreme prices seen recently are unlikely to return soon.

Prices at source are dropping and approaching 2022 levels. With a strong harvest expected this season and favoura-

Central air hub

SPAIN is set to lead Europe’s air travel network in summer 2025, with new data from OAG showing that five of the continent’s 10 busiest air routes involve Spanish cities, especially Madrid and Barcelona. The busiest route overall is between Rome and Madrid, with more than 1.3 million scheduled seats, highlighting strong demand between two major Southern European capitals.

Spain’s strong position comes from its appeal as both a top tourist destination and a key transit point.

The country’s airports, especially in Madrid and Barcelona, offer extensive connections across Western Europe. This, combined with high-capacity routes within Europe and solid airport infrastructure, has made Spain a central hub for summer air travel.

ble forecasts for the next, thanks to recent rainfall, the mood is more positive. From July 2022 to April 2024, consumer prices for extra virgin olive oil rose by more than 112 per cent, at times exceeding €15 per litre. Farmers saw prices peak at nearly €9 per litre in January 2024, up 158 per cent, according to Infaoliva data.

That trend has reversed. Adjusted for inflation, retail prices fell 38 per cent from March 2023 to March 2024, while production prices dropped over 50 per cent.

Spain, the world’s top producer and exporter, normally yields over a million tonnes per year but fell short recently due to weather. The war in Ukraine also worsened costs.

With a strong 2024/25 production forecast of 1.407 million tonnes, the outlook is hopeful.

Strong quarter

LÍNEA DIRECTA, the Spanish insurance company, reported a net profit of €20.8 million for the first quarter of the year, more than double the figure from the same period last year, a rise of 106.1 per cent. The strong result was driven by faster growth in both revenue and customer numbers, along with improved insurance margins.

Instant crypto

REVOLUT has partnered with Lightspark to introduce payments through the Bitcoin-based Lightning Network, aiming to make crypto transfers faster and more efficient for users in the UK and parts of Europe. Traditional blockchain transactions can sometimes be slow and expensive, but this collaboration is designed to offer a quicker, more cost-effective solution.

The 2024/25 outlook is hopeful.

Musical Festival ALMERIA

AA Dog Rescue is holding another fundraiser on Saturday, June 14. The event will take place at the Kubatin, Hostal Meson, in Arboleas. It starts at 5.00pm and will go on until late. There will be five great music acts to enjoy: Lady Ellen, Carol George, Jools Hirst with Dee on Bass, Steve Jackson, and Hot Vox.

It’s a perfect chance to listen to good music and help dogs in need. You can also buy tapas and drinks at the event. There will be raffles and prizes too, making the night even more fun.

Tickets cost €10, and all the money raised will go to AA Dog Rescue. The charity helps look after dogs and find them new homes. So, if you want to have a good time and support a good cause, come along to the Kubatin, Hostal Meson in Arboleas on June 14 from 5.00pm.

Wine, ceramics and tradition

LOCATED in the heart of the Alpujarras, the village of Fuente Victoria offers more than just stunning landscapes - it’s home to the Bosquet family, who have been making wine here for generations.

On Monday, May 26, join a unique journey into this rich tradition with a full-day experience that combines wine, ceramics, and Andalucian cuisine.

At Bodega Cepa Bosquet, winemaking is more than a business - it’s a family legacy. Gabriel Bosquet, the patriarch, has dedicated his life to cultivating the land and perfecting the process. Today, his daughter Virginia Bosquet carries that passion forward as the lead winemaker, blending modern technique with the same care and dedi-

Live in Mojacar

MARC MARCUS, a wellknown singer from Benidorm, will perform live at Valery Mojacar on Monday, May 26. The show starts at 9.00pm and will be held at Paseo del Mediterráneo, 213, 04638 Mojacar.

Marc is famous for his amazing tribute to Lionel Richie, singing popular songs that people love to sing and dance to. His shows are full of

this is one not to miss.

Valery Mojacar is a local favourite for live entertainment, with a friendly atmosphere and a great location by the sea. The team there says this is one of their most popular shows, and it usually sells out quickly.

Guests are strongly advised to book their tables as soon as possible to avoid missing out. You can visit the venue in person or contact them through social media to make

It’s set to be a fun evening with great music and lots of dancing. Don’t forget to bring your friends and enjoy a night to remember with Marc Marcus in Mojacar.

cation her father passed down.

From manual harvests and carefully controlled fermentations to hand-selected barrels and constant quality testing, every step of their process reflects a commitment to excellence.

This immersive day out begins with a guided tour of the bodega alongside Virginia, who will share the secrets of her craft. You’ll sample a wide se-

lection of their wines before heading to Alfarería González Castellón, a local ceramics workshop where centuries-old techniques are still alive.

The day concludes with a traditional lunch at Mesón Ruta L’Alpujarras, a cozy spot known for its regional dishes.

All for just €54 per person. Departure: 9.30am from Hotel Tikar. Phone/WhatsApp: 656 622 522

Hippy Party

GET ready for a fun evening at the Hippy Peace & Love Party on Saturday, May 31. The event starts at 6.00pm and will be held at a new venue, the Bocaina Beach Club in Mojacar.

There’ll be live music, games, hobby horse races, and a lip sync competition with some of the best past performers. London DJ will be playing tunes all night, and Betsy will be there offering temporary tattoos.

Everyone is welcome to join in and enjoy a relaxed evening full of laughs, music, and a good atmosphere. Tickets are just €8 and can be bought from Jackie Miles Kirby, Me & Mrs Jones in Mojacar, or the Lions Shop in Turre. All the money raised will go to the Lions charity, which helps with many local causes.

The Hippy Peace & Love Party is a well-loved event in the area, known for its friendly atmosphere and colourful outfits. Organisers are encouraging people to dress up, have fun, and celebrate the start of summer with friends and neighbours.

Tickets are already on sale and are expected to sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Support paws in need.

Shutterstock/ Andrewshots

Live music by the sea.

Image: Facebook/Marc Marcus

Image: Shutterstock/ Navistock

Groovy night out.

The Bosquet family in their bodega.

Credit: Cepa Bosquet

Not much chance

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

WHAT must it be like to be a dedicated UK police officer who, through hard work, (and probably a mountain of paperwork), finally manages to get a perpetrator into court, only to see them walk away free, because some bewigged berk decides that he or she deserves some form of leniency!

This small number of mainly antiquated High Court clowns are often so unbelievably out of touch and pompous they are probably more familiar with ‘passing the port’ than passing appropriate sentences. Their naive lack of judgements must also, I’m sure, profoundly dampen any enthusiasm or confidence the officers involved have for the legal system that they are expected to support and act for.

The police must often feel like technicians who’ve created an intricate piece of valuable machinery, only to see their employers stick it on eBay at a knockdown price. How can this incompetent bunch of so-called judges consider themselves impartial pur-

veyors of British justice, when every week up pops yet another example of their utter inadequacy in matters of criminal retribution?

Just recently I was informed of yet another glaring example of their judicial incompetence. It concerned a burglar with a long record of offences who had broken into the home of a pregnant woman while her husband was out at work. Petrified, the poor woman was hiding in the bathroom when the husband came home unexpectantly and confronted the intruder.

As he grappled with him, the young thug called to his mate outside that he was caught. ‘Use the knife’ screamed his co-conspirator. With this threat of serious injury highly possible, the husband subsequently let go of the man and he escaped with an Armani watch, cash and gift cards. The victim’s poor wife subsequently suffered a miscarriage, which was later directly attributed to the traumatic experience of the raid.

Due to steadfast police efforts, the main perpetrator was caught and finally brought to Court, where he admitted the crime and also owned up to a later offence committed while on bail;

apparently, he had threatened another victim with a hammer in the process of a further robbery. Obviously, this man was a hardened criminal and should have been sent down for a considerable length of time - WRONG!

Judge Sylvia Carle was swayed by his defence lawyer and decided that he had in fact been ‘Egged on by his mate!’ She sentenced him to 12 months community service and he almost unbelievably walked free from the Court.

I mean, just how naive can you get? This lowlife was probably out plundering some other poor victim’s house the same night. If I were the Police, I’d be spitting nails at this result of my endeavours and at the very least, it would sorely discourage me from putting my best efforts into any subsequent investigations.

It’s a review of non-sackable Judges that is required. Perhaps if we see some proper sentencing from these privileged posers, it would encourage more people to join the force and hopefully raise the morale of those already serving. Not much chance of that.

Keep the Faith Love Leapy LeapyLee2002@gmail.com

Leapy Lee’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Italy’s deer outsmarted the hunters

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to cull nearly 500 deer, including more than 140 fawns, has been scrapped, and animal rights groups are celebrating what they see as a hard-won victory.

The story began last August, when the Abruzzo Regional Council approved a resolution authorising the killing of 469 deer as part of population control efforts. The plan sparked outrage among environmental and animal welfare associations, who took the matter to court.

Despite an initial setback - with the regional administrative court (TAR Abruzzo) refusing to suspend the measure - the campaigners didn’t back down. They quickly appealed to the Council of State, Italy’s highest administrative court, which overturned the earlier ruling and sent the case back for a new hearing.

But time turned out to be the deer’s greatest ally. As the legal wrangling played out, the hunting season quietly came to an end in March. And with that, the resolution expired before a single shot was fired.

At the recent long-awaited hearing, the TAR officially closed the case, stating there was no longer a legal issue to resolve since the resolution was no longer valid.

Time turned out to be the deer’s greatest ally. Alex

TOPTrending

Andor

ANDOR Season

Two is the kind of show that makes you sit back and go, “Wow... this is Star Wars?” but in the best way possible. It picks up right where Season One left off and dives even deeper into the messy, gritty world behind the Rebellion.

brought to you by Revolution Technology

There are no Jedi mind tricks here, just real people making tough choices

Poker Face

CHARLIE CALE is back, and she’s still one of the coolest detectives on TV. Poker Face Season Two sticks to its case-of-the-week format, with Charlie landing in a new town, a new outfit, and a new mess in each episode.

- often in the shadows. Diego Luna is incredible again, and characters like Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael, and Bix Caleen really stand out.

The political tension is intense, the emotional moments hit hard, and the whole thing looks and sounds amazing. It’s smart, serious, and not afraid to get dark. Watch on Disney+.

Natasha Lyonne brings that same laidback, gruff charm that was loved in Season One, and there’s no shortage of fun guest stars (Cynthia Erivo). The show’s still more about how she catches the bad guys than who did it, which works most of the time. Not every mystery is super clever, and a few episodes feel a bit samey, but the series finds its groove. It’s easy to enjoy if you’re in the mood for a quirky crime show. Watch on Peacock.

Seine open for swimming

FOR the rst time in over a century, swimming will be allowed in the Seine.

From July 5 to August 31, Parisians and visitors can take a dip in the heart of the capital, with three supervised swimming areas opening at Quai de Bercy (12th arrondissement), Bras de Grenelle (15th), and Bras Marie near Île SaintLouis. Entry is free, limited to 150200 people per site, with no booking required.

The Seine River in Paris, once host to Olympic events, will reopen for public swimming from July to August - a first in over a century.

After hosting Olympic swimming and triathlon events in the river, Paris is repurposing the Seine as a public amenity. Mayor Anne Hidalgo said the move is a climate response, o ering cooler public spaces. Facilities will be minimal - showers, chan-

ging areas and buoys to mark zones. Only Grenelle will include a shallow pool for children. Due to boat tra c, Bras Marie will open part-time, mornings and all day Sundays.

Swimming will only be permitted if daily water tests con rm safe levels of bacteria such as E. coli. Results will be shared via a website and ag system. Paris has invested over €1.1 billion since 2016 to improve water quality, including upgrading treatment plants and connecting houseboats to sewage lines. Rain remains a concern, as storms can cause untreated over ows, but o cials are optimistic.

The project also paves the way for future river bathing across Île-deFrance.

Vaping crackdown in Spain

SPAIN’S love affair with vaping is hitting a rough patch. The government’s gearing up to tighten the screws on e-cigarettes, with new rules set to reshape how Spaniards puff.

From public bans to hefty fines, the changes are sparking heated debates among smokers, health buffs, and bar owners. With 15 per cent of adults vaping regularly - double the rate from 2020 - the stakes are high. Here’s the lowdown on what’s coming, why it matters, and how

to navigate the haze.

The Health Ministry, led by Minister Mónica García, is pushing a sweeping anti-vaping plan, expected to roll out by late 2025.

Risking a €200 fine for vaping

The big move? Banning vaping in public spots like restaurant terraces, beaches, and even queues at bus stops.

You’ll still be able to vape at home or in private cars, but step onto a crowded plaza, and you’re risking a €200 fine. The ministry’s also

eyeing plain packaging for vape products, stripping away flashy designs that lure teens.

You risk €500 if caught indoors at public venues If you’re travelling, note that airports like Barajas already ban vaping indoors, and fines hit €500 for sneaky puffs.

The bigger picture is murky. Vaping’s rise has cut tobacco use - cigarette sales dropped 10 per cent since 2015 - but health costs are climbing.

Vaping rules in Spain are about to change. Watch out for hefty fines!

Alexandre.ROSA, Shutterstock

Pavarotti honoured

FOLLOWING its pre-premiere concert last December in Bologna, the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Orchestra was officially launched on Monday, May 19. This new artistic project is dedicated to preserving and promoting the human and musical legacy of the celebrated tenor from Modena.

The announcement was made at the Pavarotti House Museum in Modena by Nicoletta Mantovani, president of the Foundation, and the orchestra’s musical and artistic director, Matteo Parmeggiani.

Created to embody the spirit of music without borders that Pavarotti championed worldwide, the orchestra aims to be a dynamic and evolving ensemble. “The orchestra will be a living, flexible body of professionals,” Parmeggiani explained.

The symphonic ensemble, seen as a living extension of the Pavarotti Foundation, already has a busy schedule. It will debut at Bologna’s Respighi Festival on June 8 and lead courses at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena from July 21 to August

2, before performing a concert in San Gimignano on August 5 under the baton of Luciano Acocella.

It will also play a key role in the celebrations marking what would have been Pavarotti’s 90th birthday. The highlight will be Pavarotti 90 – The man who moved the world, a major tribute concert at Verona Arena on September 30, featuring stars like Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini and many others.

New beach rules & fines

SPAIN’S coastline, from Basque shores to the Costa Brava, Andalucia, and the Canary and Balearic Islands, draws crowds to its thousands of miles of public beaches. Governed by the Ley de Costas, these beaches have rules to ensure collective well-being and conservation, with fines for violations. Municipalities add local ordinances, creating varied restrictions.

Common offences include bringing pets (except guide dogs), with fines up to €3,000. Loud music or disruptive beach parties can cost €22 per square yard. Unlicensed vending is penalised with €1,500 fines. In Valencia, unauthorised tents can lead to fines between €1,501 and €3,000.

Using soap or shampoo at beach

showers incurs €750 fines. Urinating in the sea costs €705 in Vigo. Sleeping on beaches in Valencia may result in penalties from €40 to €1,500. Reserving spots with towels or umbrellas can lead to €750 fines in Benidorm and €300 in Malaga. Swimming under red flags or playing paddle tennis where banned can bring fines up to €3,000. Smoking on designated smoke-free beaches is penalised by €450. Drinking alcohol on beaches or promenades can lead to fines from €1,501 to €3,000, while littering can cost between €751 and €1,500.

Local governments maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and safety, overseeing ports, urban planning, and sea discharges.

European bison success

Breeding programmes are important.

EUROPE’S biggest land animal has moved from endangered to near-threatened status with the largest population being found in Poland.

It is estimated that there are around 7,000 European bison (which can weigh up to 900 kilos) roaming free across Europe but an annual wildlife survey has recorded the fact that there are now a record number of 3,000 in Poland representing almost 44 per cent of the entire population.

Of the Polish population, 2,855 are actually living in

the wild and this is a new record showing that a conscious policy of breeding and rewilding has been successful, although there are still a number of problems to be overcome.

Although herds are split between different parts of the country, the larger herds which will continue to breed could cause overcrowding which in turn may lead to disease as has been seen with other re-introduced species and cause conflict with human habitations.

Now that the potential problems have been identi-

fied and with help of some funding from the European Union, action will be taken to relocate a number of the animals to more appropriate yet currently uninhabited areas where new herds can be established.

In 2024, a number of Polish bison were taken to settle in Portugal which suffers from regular forest fires and in fact according to Rewilding Portugal these large herbivores helped to reduce the risk of brush fires by grazing on flammable vegetation and creating natural firebreaks.

Things you used to do now carry hefty fines so beware of the new beach rules.

Credit: Marko Rupena / Shutterstock.com

Luciano Pavarotti singing in Belgrade.

Credit: Michal Köpping CC

Va-Va-Voom

ACHIEVING fuller, bigger lashes doesn’t necessarily require expensive treatments or falsies.

With the right techniques and products, you can create a voluminous lash look from the comfort of your own home. Start by curling your lashes with a quality eyelash curler to give them an instant lift. Heating the curler slightly beforehand can help set the curl better,

Next, apply a lash primer to add volume and thickness. Primers coat each lash, making them appear fuller even before mascara is applied. Choose a volumising mascara with a thick, dense brush, as these help distribute the product evenly and build up the lashes without clumping. Wiggle the wand from the base to the tips for maximum coverage, and apply two to three coats

Rate your plate

der look, consider using

te natural growth over time. Tightlining your upper waterline with a dark eyeliner can also give the illusion of thicker roots. With these

joy the look of fuller, more

THE Nutrivore Score is a new way of evaluating the nutritional quality of foods, helping you make healthier choices with ease. Unlike calorie counting or restrictive diets, the Nutrivore approach focuses on maximising nutrient density, meaning foods that pack the most essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients per calorie. This scoring system rates foods based on how well they meet daily nutrient needs, with higher scores indicating more nutrient-dense options. For instance, leafy greens like kale and spinach score exceptionally high, often above 900 out of 1,000, thanks to their rich content

of vitamins A, C, and K, alongside minerals like iron and calcium. On the other hand, processed foods typically have lower scores, such as sugary snacks or white bread, often falling below 300.

To find the Nutrivore Score of a food, you can check dedicated websites or apps that provide a database of food items and their scores. Incorporating more high-scoring foods into your diet can support weight loss by ensuring you eat nutrient-rich, lower-calorie foods that keep you full and satisfied. It’s a balanced approach to eating that focuses on quality rather than restriction.

You can create a voluminous lash look from the comfort of your own home.

/ New Africa

UK travel warnings

Travellers are urged to say informed, plan ahead and take on board new considerations.

THE UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy - favourite summer destinations for British tourists. These updates reflect growing concerns around safety, strikes, and overcrowding across southern Europe.

Spain removed a previous alert on a warehouse fire near Barcelona, but warnings about balcony accidents remain. The government highlights frequent incidents involving British tourists - particularly young travellers - falling from heights, often under the influence of alcohol. Some resorts have introduced fines and evictions for risky behaviour, especially in areas such as Magaluf, Benidorm, and Ibiza.

Portugal continues to attract tourists to Lisbon, the Algarve and Porto, but with growing

strain from climate events and infrastructure pressure. While no active alerts are in place, authorities warn of possible regional strikes, rail disruptions and blackouts.

Greece has seen political unrest and mass protests, including strikes that may affect ferries, flights, and road travel. Though recent warnings have been removed, tourists should remain alert, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.

Italy expects large crowds throughout 2025 due to the Holy Jubilee, following Pope Francis’s death. Pilgrimage-related events in Rome will lead to heavy congestion, higher prices, and tighter security.

Travellers are urged to stay informed, plan ahead, and understand that travel in 2025 comes with new considerations.

ChatGPT over husband

ONE morning, a Greek woman made coffee. By sunset, she had decided to end her marriagebecause ChatGPT told her that her husband was cheating.

According to Greek media, she uploaded a photo of her and her husband’s coffee cups to ChatGPT, asking it to read the residue.

The AI reportedly replied that her husband was ‘fantasising about another woman’ and warned of someone with a name starting with ‘E’ trying to destroy the family. Instead of confronting him, she informed the children and filed for divorce.

This is an AI twist on tasseography - the traditional practice of reading coffee grounds for symbolic meaning. In 2025, it has evolved into uploading coffee cup photos to AI apps

like ‘Read My Turkish Coffee’, which offer machine-generated readings with no accountability.

The husband said he initially thought it was a joke. “She’s into trendy things,” he told reporters.

But when the lawyer’s call came, he was stunned. He refused a mutual separation and is

now contesting the divorce, arguing AI coffee readings are not proof of infidelity.

This case reflects a growing reliance on AI for personal decisions. As technology blends with belief, the consequences go far beyond novelty - raising questions about trust, truth, and the line between data and destiny.

The husband refused a mutual separation.

Missing Melania

POLICE in Slovenia are investigating the theft of a bronze statue of US First Lady Melania Trump, which was sawn off and removed from its spot in the village of Rožno, near her hometown of Sevnica.

Only the ankles of the statue remain, still fixed to the tree stump where it was installed in 2020. The life-size figure had been placed there during Donald Trump’s first term, replacing an earlier wooden version that was burned down that same year.

Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs in 1970, grew up in the region. The original statue, carved from a linden tree, portrayed her in a light blue dress, echoing the outfit she wore at the 2017 presidential inauguration. That version was set on fire in July 2020 and later replaced with the bronze replica, which bore little physical resemblance to her.

Police spokeswoman Alenka Drenik Rangus confirmed they had been alerted to the theft and said officers are now working to identify those responsible.

Europe’s workweek is shrinking

IN 2024, people across the EU worked an average of 36 hours per week, according to a Eurostat report published on May 14, 2025. The data covers full-time and part-time workers aged 20 to 64 and marks a gradual decline from 37 hours a decade ago.

topping the list. Sectors such as education, the arts, and household services recorded the shortest weeks.

However, this EU-wide gure conceals major di erences across countries, sectors, and job types. Greece had the longest average workweek at 39.8 hours, followed by Bulgaria (39.0), Poland (38.9), and Romania (38.8). At the other end, Dutch workers averaged just 32.1 hours. Germany, Austria, and Denmark followed at 33.9 hours. Spain landed near the EU average at 36.4.

Major differences across the countries and job types.

Work hours varied by industry, with agriculture, mining, and construction

Full-time male employees worked more than women - 39.6 versus 37.7 hours. In Greece, men averaged 42.4 hours, women 39.1. Part-time workers averaged 22 hours across genders, though exceptions existed.

Self-employed people, particularly those with employees, worked longer weeks than salaried sta .

Employers in Belgium and France averaged over 50 hours, while in Cyprus and Estonia, employees worked longer than the self-employed.

Overall, 37.3 per cent of EU workers put in 40 to 44.5 hours weekly, with notable di erences between eastern and western member states.

Turbo turtle

STAFF at the Museum of Natural History in Nova Scotia, Canada, have given a helping hand, or rather, a helping wheel, to a wood turtle named Root by building him a custom mobility aid using Lego.

Root arrived at the Halifax museum in September from the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. Soon after, animal care staff noticed his missing front right foot was causing his shell to scrape the ground as he walked.

“One of his legs is shorter, so his shell was hitting the floor with each step,” explained Heather McKinnon Ramshaw, the museum’s animal care specialist.

“We were worried it might cause damage over time, so we needed to lift him up somehow.”

Tessa Biesterfeld, a naturalist interpreter at the museum, came up with the idea of using Lego parts for a lightweight, adjustable support. Inspired by a Lego exhibit that had taken place in December, she crafted a simple aid using a small dog harness, a Lego platform, and wheels.

“We liked Lego becau-

se it’s non-toxic, easy to modify, and we can swap out parts as he grows,” Biesterfeld said. “It’s a flexible solution.”

Thanks to his new gear, Root is now able to move around with ease and enthusiasm.

“When I clip on his harness, he gets excited. He knows it’s time to go out and explore,” said Biesterfeld.

Credit: Andrea Piacquaidio, Pexels

Only the ankles of the statue remain.

Image: David J Harris Jr. / Facebook

Root is now able to move around with ease and enthusiasm.

Chaos in the skies

fire shortly after takeoff.

Flight KL877, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER (PH-BVW), departed at 12.03 CEST on Saturday May 17. Minutes into the journey, the aircraft stopped climbing at 6,000 feet and began circling over the North Sea. The crew initiated fuel dumping to prepare for an emergency landing.

Flames were seen coming from the left engine, with early reports suggesting a compressor stall or bird strike as the likely cause. Both pose serious risks, potentially damaging the engine mid-flight.

Inside the cabin, passengers described confusion and fear as the aircraft circled before returning safely to Schiphol. The incident caused major disruption at the airport, with de -

KLM’s flight to Mumbai was forced to turn back after a mid-air engine fire - passengers were left shaken and Schiphol faced major disruption.

lays, missed connections, and stranded travellers across South Asia.

The timing was particularly difficult, as demand on the AmsterdamMumbai route has risen 28 per cent this year.

No injuries were reported.

However, the event has triggered an investigation into the cause, including engine data and pilot communications. Concerns have also been raised about bird activity near Schiphol due to its proximity to wetlands and farmland.

KLM now faces scrutiny over safety, environmental concerns from the fuel dump, and the challenge of restoring passenger confidence.

In the fast lane

GET ready, Amsterdam!

On Saturday, June 21, the A10 motorway will be transformed into a one-day festival to celebrate the city’s 750th anniversary, and it’s completely free.

There will be all sorts of fun happening across three areas: A10 East, South, and West.

Expect music, entertainment, and plenty of surprises.

If you’d like to visit the South or West zones, you’ll need to book a free time-slot ticket. Tickets are available online at opdering.nl . When booking, you’ll need to choose your entrance and preferred time.

You can pick from three time slots: 10am to 2pm (up to six tickets per person), 3pm to 10pm (up to four tickets), or 6pm to 10pm (also up to four tickets).

The one-day festival is completely free.

Job crisis deepens

ACROSS Europe, Gen Z workers (born 1997-2012) enter jobs faster than previous generations - but leave them faster too, often not by choice. A recent study shows they are terminated at higher rates than older colleagues.

The issue, however, runs deeper. A growing disconnect is emerging between generations, expectations, and what counts as ‘professional’ in 2025. Inflation, stagnant wages, and a post-pandemic reckoning are fuelling this mismatch.

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Insights report, Gen Z job-switching is 134 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels. While some moves are voluntary, others reflect deeper problems. A 2023 ResumeBuilder survey found one in eight managers fired Gen Z employees more often than others, citing poor communication, resistance to feedback, and lack of

preparation.

In Spain, youth unemployment has dropped from 40 per cent to 27 per cent over a decade, but job stability remains elusive. Contracts are shorter, terminations faster, and wages remain low. Germany and France show similar trends, especially in tech, retail, and hospitality.

High living costs exacerbate pressures. Rent in cities like Madrid and Amster-

dam has surged, while entry-level pay stagnates. For many, housing, healthcare, and savings are out of reach. Meanwhile, terms like ‘professionalism’ feel outdated to younger workers, who seek fairness, clarity, and purpose.

Europe’s real challenge may be structural - bridging generational divides in an economy that no longer works as it once did.

The East zone will host the ‘Run Op de Ring’ race in the morning from 9am to 2.45pm, though signups for the run are now closed.

After 4pm, the East zone opens to everyone on foot or by bike, and no ticket is needed. You

One ticket gives access to both the South and West zones.

can walk in via S109 or cycle in via S113. Each zone has separate access, so you won’t be able to move between them during the event.

If you’re no longer able to attend, don’t worry, you can return your ticket online so someone else can enjoy the day.

Credit :klm Airlines - Fecebook

Gen Z job-switching is much higher than before.

Customer refunded

A SPANISH court has ordered Ryanair to refund a woman €124 after she was repeatedly charged for bringing basic hand luggage on five flights between 2019 and 2024 - a ruling that could now set legal precedent for thousands of passengers stung by the same ‘abusive’ policy.

The passenger, whose case was heard in a Madrid court, successfully argued that Ryanair’s extra charges for a standard carry-on violated Spain’s consumer protection laws. The judge agreed, confirming that small bags must be included in the price of a flight and declaring the charges unjustified.

Though modest in value, the decision lands as a major legal marker. By siding with the passenger and ordering full reimbursement - plus interest and legal costs

- the court has effectively cracked open a pathway for others to do the same.

Consumer groups are already urging travellers who flew with Ryanair under similar conditions to come forward and claim back their money.

This isn’t Ryanair’s first courtroom loss over luggage fees. In 2019, the same Madrid court ruled against the airline in a similar case, slamming the policy as unlawful. That didn’t stop the carrier from continuing to enforce the charges.

Spain’s consumer watchdogs have also taken aim. In late 2024, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs hit Ryanair and four other low-cost carriers with a combined €150 million in fines over a raft of ‘drip pricing’ tactics.

New colour discovered?

SCIENTISTS in the US claim to have made a remarkable discovery: a colour never seen in nature, perceived through precise laser stimulation of the human eye. Named ‘olo’, the hue appeared during an experiment involving direct laser beams to the retina, activating a single type of cone cell in isolationsomething that doesn’t occur naturally.

The researchers, from UC Berkeley and the University of Washington, used a custom device called Oz to stimulate only the M cone, which detects green light. Normally, colours are perceived when multiple cone types are activated simultaneously, but this experiment bypassed that process, producing what participants described as an intense blue-green, unlike anything seen before.

Professor Ren Ng, a

Researchers stimulated the eye’s cone cells using lasers, allowing participants to perceive a colour - ‘olo’ - that doesn’t occur naturally in human vision.

co-author and one of five participants, described olo as “more saturated than any colour you can see in the real world.”

Yet some experts remain sceptical. Professor John Barbur of City St George’s, University of London, acknowledged the experiment’s precision but argued the phenomenon may reflect unusual visual processing rather than a

genuinely new colour. Though olo cannot be reproduced outside the lab, researchers believe the findings could lead to better treatments for colour blindness by improving understanding of how colour is processed in the eye. For now, olo remains an elusive phenomenonvisible only under tightly controlled conditions.

The great Spanish mealtime mystery

IN 1892, British traveller Richard Ford noted that Spaniards enjoyed lunch around midday and dined at a respectable 6 or 7pm. Fast forward to modern Spain, and you’d be forgiven for thinking your watch had stopped somewhere near Gibraltar.

Lunch now begins at 2pm and stretches leisurely until 5. Dinner? Don’t even think about it before 9pm. Famished tourists stumble about from noon, searching in vain for food while locals look on, slightly bemused.

Enter Isabel Díaz Ayuso, Madrid’s regional leader, urging restaurants to welcome visitors with earlier opening hours. Her plan? Lunch at noon, dinner by 6 - a concept many Spaniards consider sacrilegious, if not medically unsound!

Some eateries in central Madrid now cautiously creak open at 1pm or 8pm. The government suggests even earlier mealtimes for tourist-dependent restaurants, though how staff rotas will handle both local and foreign schedules remains a mystery.

Gastronomic purists argue Spain’s late dining is part of its culinary charm. Brotherhood of the Good Table president Ramón Pérez-Maura insists tourists will adapt, learn to finish lunch at 5pm and embrace midnight tapas with gusto.

Others, like Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, call the current schedule ‘madness’. Franco, moonlighting and even the weather all share the blame. Whatever the cause, do bring snacks. Or a flask!

Many thanks as always for all your welcome emails to my website! So pleased you enjoy my column - and novels! Nora Johnson’s 14 critically acclaimed psychological suspense crime thrillers, including the latest ‘The House of Secrets’ (www.nora-jo hnson.net), all available online at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Nora’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

NORA IS THE AUTHOR OF POPULAR PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE AND CRIME THRILLERS AND A FREELANCE JOURNALIST.

NORA JOHNSON BREAKING VIEWS

Ryanair loses another legal battle in Spain over its abusive luggage rules.

Photo Kaskip Shutterstock

Hospital’s robot nanny Speeding duck

IMAGINE you’re a wide-eyed child, clutching your teddy, stuck in the chaos of UZ Brussels’ emergency room. Needles, beeping machines, and grim-faced doctors everywhere - it’s enough to make any child cry.

But hold up, here comes Pepper, a pint-sized robot with a screen for a heart, rolling in to save the day.

At University Hospi tal Brussels (UZ Brussel), where 75,000 patients flood the emer gency depart ment yearly, Pepper’s the new kid on the block.

This social robot, born from the 2019 ROBO-CU RE project with VUB and imec, first cut its teeth helping diabetic children crunch carb counts and decode glu cose gadgets. It’s on a mis

sion to soothe terrified tots in the ER.

Programmed to chat in Dutch and French, Pepper has a knack for calming nerves - think less R2-D2, a more friendly uncle who tells great stories. It greets children, flashes info on its chest screen for people who are hard of hearing, and even purrs

when hugged, like a techy teddy bear.

The hospital’s pleased, saying Pepper frees up staff to focus on stitching and splinting while keeping the little ones distracted.

But not everyone’s sold. Some parents are side-eyeing this ‘nanny bot’, muttering it’s no substitute for a human cuddle when your

A DUCK flashed flying at 52km/h in a 30 zone set off a Swiss speed camera - and it might not be his first offen

On April 13, in the quiet town of Kö niz, near Bern, police reviewing routine radar footage were surprised to spot a mallard duck clocked at 52km/h in a 30km/h zone. However, just when you think the story couldn’t get weirder, it does.

A duck caught flying at 52km/h - in the exact same spot and on the same day as a similar incident seven years ago.

even wondered if the image had been tampered with.

NEW & EXCLUSIVE LISTING TO VOSS HOMES - A beautifully presented, recently renovated to the highest standards five bed, four bath Country House of 210m2 with a three bed, three bath main house and two bed, one bath attached apartment for sale in the Huercal-Overa countryside with 11.907m2 of land and amazing views. Four mins drive to amenities and Huercal-Overa town and 25 mins drive to the safe sandy beaches of San Juan de Los Terreros, 35 mins drive to Mojacar. Cortijo Las Morenas has been recently renovated throughout whilst maintaining its original charm and character. It has all the quality mod cons you would expect and all fixtures, kitchen and bathroom fittings, tiles, doors, double glazed windows are all of very high quality. The apartment is fantastic for paying guests or family and friends. Most of the furniture is also for sale so this could be a ready to move into property.

Surrounding the house is approx

1,700m2 of flat, fenced land which is gravelled for low maintenance with a variety of plants and trees. Stunning features to the front of the house are mature false pepper trees providing privacy and shaded seating areas with

Authorities revealed that exactly seven years earlier, to the day - on April 13, 2018, at the very same location - a duck was caught flying at exactly 52km/h by the same radar. That coincidence has raised more than a few

Is it a strange act of nature, a bizarre case of déjà vu, or the same repeat offender returning to the scene of the flight? Some

great views of the surrounding hillsides plus the built in outdoor kitchen with dining area, bbq and pizza oven. The rest of the 11,907m2 of land is flat and ideal for planting or animals.

From here attractive wooden double

For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact Voss

0034 950 616 827 or email us at enquiries@vosshomesspain.com to make

But Swiss police were quick to shut down any suspicions. According to the municipality’s official Facebook post, the radar systems are tightly regulated and cannot be manipulated. The images are sealed and the equipment is tested and certified every year by the Federal Institute of Metrology. While the duck won’t be receiving a fine any time soon, the case has gone viral, sparking a mix of amusement and disbelief online. It’s not every day a mallard gets flashed for speeding.

front doors lead in to the the large open dining room and quality fitted kitchen. An archway takes you into the living room with log burning fire. A corridor leads down to a guest double bedroom with ensuite shower room.

Next is the huge downstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom with roll top bath and separate walk in shower. In this room is a small set of steps and a door leading back into the dining room and up to the huge upstairs main bedroom with ensuite shower room with walk in shower. At the top of the stairs is another door leading out to the large sun terrace that looks over the rear, side and front gardens and the surrounding country and hillsides.

The attached apartment has its own entrance door into the open plan living and dining room with log burning fire. To the right is the fitted kitchen. Off the living room are two double bedrooms and a family shower room.

Pepper cheers hospitalised kids at UZ Brussels.

Wardrobe blues

FROM COAST TO COAST

THE great wardrobe migration (and other tales of hope)

Every year, when the seasons change, I nd myself standing in front of my wardrobe, staring deep into the abyss and whispering the sacred words:

‘Never lose hope’.

The ritual begins: discreetly sneaking into the bathroom, hiding a pair of slacks I haven’t worn since ip phones were a thing.

‘Look at this brand! Wow, what a nd!’

I shimmy into them, convinced that somehow, miraculously, I will t.

Five minutes later, breathless and questioning life choices, I mutter:

‘Was I born upside down? Whose pants are these?’

I smooth them out, give them a pat, and put them back. We both need some time to heal.

As I dive deeper into the rainbow chaos of my closet, I discover a few more gems - tags still attached, prices still eye-watering. ‘Is this clothing... historic?’ I wonder.

Maybe I’m not hoarding. Maybe I’m curating an exhibit:

The museum of never-worn out ts.

Entry fee: one guilty conscience.

At this dramatic moment, my cat strolls in like royalty, throws himself onto the nearest pile, and sheds just enough hair to ensure I’ll have to rewash everything next year. Thank you, Flu y.

Never lose hope.

Then there’s the true drama of clothing. Picture it: Winter and summer, two divas ghting for the stage, strut-

ting in like Verdi heroines. They leave no room for intermezzos. The poor entretiempos - those mid-season jackets - are banished, barely getting a line in the performance. And let’s be honest, living in Spain doesn’t help.

Here, ‘all-weather’ clothing is a myth, a fantasy, a tag marketers slap on garments that never see the light of day.

Meanwhile, my girlfriend - a stunning vision of high fashion and e ortless elegance - is a true professional. The kind of woman who can make anything look couture, and who knows instinctively what works, what doesn’t, and why. With the calm authority of someone who’s mastered the language of style, she says:

“If you haven’t worn it in two years, get rid of it,” she says.

And there I am, holding my old Gareld shirt like it’s a precious treasure:

‘How dare you!’

These are not clothes. These are memories stitched together with hope, cookies, and occasional bad decisions.

Never lose hope.

Buried under the mountains of fabric and memories, salvation appears:

My all-season scarf.

Always ts. Never judges. Stays trendy by sheer stubbornness.

God bless that scarf. May we all aspire to be so dependable.

Regardless of what we call it: American closets, British wardrobes, or that terrifying ‘clothes graveyard’ we all have…

Goodbye, winter wear. Hello, summer shorts that may or may not zip.

The party’s kicked o , the cat has declared war (on absolutely everything), and the scarf? Oh, the scarf is reigning supreme, like a diva in a Broadway show.

Never lose hope.

aif2018@hotmail.com

Digital Euro 2025

DESPITE recent blackouts across Europe reminding many of the importance of cash, the EU is moving ahead with plans for a Digital Euro. Set to be introduced in 2025, this state-backed virtual currency is designed to re ect how people spend money today - digitally and increasingly without cash.

The Digital Euro won’t replace coins and notes but will serve as a digital version of cash, usable online or in shops without a bank card. It’s intended to be free, secure, and privacy-respecting.

With private platforms like Apple Pay and PayPal dominating payments, and cryptocurrencies gaining ground, the EU aims to maintainnancial sovereignty.

Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, the Digital Euro wouldn’t uctuate in value. Issued by the European Central Bank (ECB), it won’t pay interest or be mined - it will simply act as digital cash. It could be stored on a smartphone and used without a bank account. While the ECB promises privacy, some critics remain cautious, especia-

The day Spain

FOR 12 hours in late April 2025, a blackout swept across Spain and Portugal, plunging the Iberian Peninsula into darkness. Trains stopped, regions fell silent, and residents turned to candles. The rst image of the outage didn’t come from the ground - but from space.

lly as EU lawmakers tighten rules on digital anonymity.

Currently in its preparation phase, the ECB is working with tech rms, consulting the public, and planning communication e orts. A full roadmap is expected by October 2025, pending approval by the European Commission and Parliament.

Cash will remain for now, but the Digital Euro may speed its decline. Public trust - and how the currency is implemented - will shape its success.

vanished

(and NASA posted

NASA’s satellites captured the blackout in real time, showing the peninsula going dark like a blown fuse. The world only realised the extent of the crisis after seeing it from orbit, making the blackout a global spectacle before it was a local headline.

Triggered on April 28 by cascading technical failures in southern Spain, the outage disrupted millions of homes and services. Initial theories pointed to cyberattacks or overheating cables, but the cause was more ironic: the same green energy transition meant to modernise Spain’s grid had exposed its weaknesses.

Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are inherently volatile, requiring constant grid management. On that day, the system failed to stabilise. The result was a nationwide blackouttechnically awed and politically charged.

What made it even more surreal was the satellite imagery. Cities from Lisbon to Barcelona vanished into blackness, instantly shared worldwide. As residents recharged phones, their darkness had already gone viral.

In 2025, blackouts don’t go unnoticed. They trend.

LUCCA MOVALDI PRESIDENT: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CLUB MARBELLA

Movaldi’s opinions are his own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

The European Central Bank is developing a virtual version of the euro that could soon change the way millions pay across the EU.

The Iberian Peninsula vanished into blackness.

News from Our Other 6 Newspapers

Costa del Sol

Malaga Airport soars

MALAGA Airport has shattered records and welcomed more than 7.1 million passengers in the first four months of 2025, a 7.4 per cent rise on the same time in 2024.

The airport handled 51,412 flights from January to April, 7,177,616 travellers passed through Malaga, with 7,161,072 on commercial flights. International traffic led the charge, with 5,927,934 passengers, a 9.2 per cent rise, while domestic travel remained similar to 2024 at 1,233,138.

Flights from the United Kingdom were the top from international markets with 1,556,649 passengers, followed by Germany (525,010), the Netherlands (461,575), and Italy (410,294).

The record in this first quarter of 2025 is not fully understood without seeing the figures of April as a result of Easter. During that month a third of all the traffic from that period was concentrated, with almost 2.4 million of the 7.1 million passengers.

Axarquia

New sea views

NERJA is getting ‘prettier’ day by day, reflecting its rising status as one of the most desirable destinations in Spain. The ‘jewel of Axarquia’ will soon have a new panoramic viewpoint and pedestrian access to El Salon Beach, following the acquisition of a plot once occupied by the now-defunct Narixa nightclub.

Located at Calle Tajillo No. 3, the abandoned site will be transformed into a new public space. The final goal of the project? Enhancing the town’s coastal appeal.

Mayor José Alberto Armijo and Urban Planning councillor Alberto Tomé recently visited the property alongside a municipal technician to begin planning for demolition. The plot was purchased by the town hall for €186,544.71 as part of its urban improvement strategy.

“With this addition to our public heritage, we’re creating a new tourist attraction for both residents and visitors,” highlighted Mayor Armijo. He added that the project is already in its planning phase.

Mallorca

Fresh approach to tourism

THE villages of Estellencs, Ariany, Montuïri and Lloret de Vistalegre are using digital treasure hunts to engage visitors through playful, self-guided routes that blend local heritage with storytelling. Created by Digital Tourist Gymkhanas, part of Spain’s Smart Tourist Destinations Network, the initiative highlights history and identity using puzzles and interactive plots - no downloads or registration required.

Each village offers a themed route: a hidden treasure in Estellencs, demon invasions in Ariany, a ghostly outlaw in Montuïri, and a stolen bike in 1932 Lloret. Games start by scanning a QR code in the main square or online, and include hints to keep players moving.

Accessible year-round and free, the trails promote sustainable, experience-based tourism. With more than 220 routes across Spain and 200,000+ users, the format has proven effective in connecting travellers with culture - whether in small villages or major cities like Barcelona or San Sebastián.

Costa Blanca North Golfers give back

MORE than €4,000 has been raised by Ifach Golf Club for the charity Make a Smile.

The fundraising event was a golf tournament, complete with delicious meal and enjoyable entertainment from the ‘Cheeky Blinder’. Between personal donations, a raffle and an auction, Ifach Golf Club raised a ‘whopping €4,210’.

Lucy Grande President of Make a Smile said “A huge, big thank you to all the members, guests and sponsors for their outstanding kindness and generosity.”

Lucy told EWN, “We help children who are in local children’s homes. The children’s fantastic carers make each place as family-oriented as possible. Alongside the carers, we have devised a way for children to collect points to work towards a bigger goal, for example walking the Santiago de Compostela route.”

Make a Smile help in any way they can. Lucy said.

Costa Blanca South Tradition & community

THE streets of Petrer were full of fun and excitement from May 15 to 19, as thousands of revellers gathered for the much-loved Moors and Christians festival. Held every year to honour San Bonifacio, the town’s patron saint, this event is a highlight on the calendar and has been declared a Festival of Cultural Interest.

For many locals, including María Dolores, the festival means far more than just dressing up and enjoying the parties. María, who has been taking part for more than 20 years, shares what the event really means to the people of Petrer.

“For me and for the people of Petrer, the Moors and Christians festival is much more than dressing up, partying and parades. These fiestas are a key part of our cultural identity. They bring the community together every year and help us pass on our traditions.”

This year, the festival was made even more special by the fantastic weather and the huge crowds.

THERE’S just over a month to go until one of the biggest air shows in Spain lands in San Javier. The Festival Aéreo Internacional San Javier, known as AIRE25, will light up the skies over Santiago de la Ribera with some of the best aerobatic teams in the world.

This year’s event is extra special. It celebrates 40 years of Spain’s much-loved Patrulla Águila, the national aerobatic team based in San Javier. It’s also the last time we’ll see the legendary C-101 aircraft take to the skies. Everyone’s encouraged to show their support by turning out in full force and filling the beach with colour and energy. The fun kicks off with an open day at San Javier Air Base on June 14, where you can get a close-up look at the aircraft and meet the team. The main event takes place on June 15, with a full programme of flying displays and international guests. Check out the full schedule and details at www. aire25.es.

Costa Calida

San Javier Air Show

Saffy and Curry are well travelled cats that like cat-sitters

FOR well-travelled cats Saffy and Curry are happiest at home, especially with a cat-sitter to keep them company. Their owner Francine has lived abroad for many years and now retired lives in Gascony with her pets. The cats were adopted abroad and brought to France and are now settled and comfortable at home. Periodically Francine needs to travel away from home and finds free checked cat-sitters with Hou seSitMatch.

HouseSitMatch saves you money

We promote collaborative exchange through our managed online system - free accommodation for free pet care! It’s a real win win!

HouseSitMatch is safe - all members are checked

All members are checked for safety, and you choose which housesitters come to care for your pets in your absence.

Saffy and Curry are well travelled cats, their owner adopted them abroad.

Your pets stay at home - safe and undisturbed

All pets benefit from staying at home, so their routines are undisturbed.

If you’re planning travel this year,

join now. Get organised today: 1. Register as a house-sitter or a homeowner on HouseSitMatch. com

2. Join for as little as £89 / €99 per year

3. Create a profile with photos 4. Sitters apply for the available house-sits, you hold a video interview via the site and match! How does it work?

Join our network for a small annual fee. You get ID checked for safety, then house-sitters build a profile and homeowners build an advert to find sitters. House-sitters see your advert, respond and you choose from the applicants.

Trustpilot Testimonials - 4.8 / 5 Excellent I really love HouseSitMatch it’s just perfect for me and Lamia the owner is so very kind and helpful in every way

Angela,

Pet owner

How do you join? Register online via www.Housesitmatch.com Need a pet-sitter? House-sitting is a win-win, free house and pet-sitting exchanged for free accommodation!

What is an AHC?

AN Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is an official document required for pets travelling from the UK to the EU since Brexit.

It confirms that your pet is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and healthy enough for travel.

Any dog, cat, or ferret leaving Great Britain for the EU or Northern Ireland needs an AHC. This applies to holidays, relocations, or short visits. Each certificate is valid for one trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU for up to four months, and re-entry to the UK. To obtain an AHC,

Any cat, dog or ferret needs an AHC to travel abroad.

you must visit an official veterinarian (OV) no more than 10 days before travel. Your pet must be microchipped and have had a rabies vaccination at least 21 days earlier. The vet will complete the certificate and check your pet meets all health requirements.

The cost of an AHC varies by clinic but typically ranges from £100 to £250.

It’s wise to book early, as demand can be high during peak travel times.

CLASSIFIEDS

AIR CONDITIONING

BUILDERS

ALMERIA BUILDERS: Fully Legal, Fully Insured, All Work Guaranteed. 659 685 133 www. almeriabuilders.com (253556)

BUY & SELL

PRIVATE collector will buy your Gold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel - 678 716 693 (288662)

CHURCHES

Local Anglican (CofE) Church Services take place at Mojacar and Llanos del Peral (Zurgena) churches every Sunday 11am and at Aljambra Chapel (Albox) monthly. Dates and details of our services, including directions and contact details, can be found at  www.almeria-anglican. com. Here you can also find information about funerals, baptisms and wedding blessings. We are an inclusive church. (10002)

TURRE EVANGELICAL CHURCH

We meet every Sunday at 10.30. For worship. We believe you’ll find us ‘relaxed’, welcoming’ and ‘informal’. Find us on Turre’s main street, towards the motorway at the far end on the left. To know more contact 711 086 162 (10021)

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONZurgena Branch meetings are now held at Hostal Rosaleda

opposite New Bar International in Arboleas. New and Existing Members Welcome Branch Meetings for existing and new members are held on the 1st Thursday of the month, Coffee Morning on the 3rd Thursday and a Quiz on the last Tuesday of the month. For further details please email zurgena.treasurer@rbl. community or zurgena. chairman@rbl.community if you or your partner served or are serving, and you feel you need help or support then contact us we are here for the small things as well as the big, sometimes talking to someone is the first step to feeling more in control. It can be a personal need or some help with your home or information on what or who to speak to on a medical issue, we help with signposting if we cannot help directly. (253989)

and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (283824)

INSURANCE

MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 952 147 834, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 952 147 834 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)

LANGUAGE CLASS

PLUMBERS

KNOWLES PLUMBING No 1 for all plumbing jobs big or small. Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 606 807 797 or 684 143 560 (312043)

SITUATIONS VACANT

IT PERSON with experience of ongoing support on a website and influencing advertising on the forums etc. Capable of thinking outside of the box! Long term contractural basis. Might suit an adventurous IT student with flair! Tel 642 334 991 (312926)

SOLAR ENERGY

ESTATE AGENT

VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in Huercal-Overa town. They specialise in selling

MISCELLANEOUS

GOLD & SILVER Bought & Sold, Rolex & Patek Philippe Watches Tel – 678 716 693 (288662)

MOTORING

WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 952 147 834. (200726)

OTHERS

EDS?  We have the solution, Kam agra pills & jells, Cialis, Sidenafil, over 7 products for men & ladies, mixed trial packs. Available by mail-order. WhatsApp or call 603 117 394

SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@ sunergyalmeria.com (300068)

If you can read it, so can your clients.Contact us and have your business grow at + 34 951 386 161

THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs €8.00, medium dogs €9.00, big dogs €10.00, cats from €7.50 a day. 630 234 556 / the5bonehotelturre@gmail.com fivebonehotel.com (300941)

New cycling rules

AS cycling surges in popularity across Spain, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has introduced stricter rules and fines to improve safety. Cyclists face a €200 fine for using mobile phones or wearing headphones while riding. Alcohol limits match those for drivers, with fines between €500€1,000.

Old banger’s back

Cyclists must also use front and rear lights in low visibility and signal all turns with arm gestures, or risk €200 penalties.

Helmets are compulsory for under-16s in towns and for all cyclists on roads, unless in competitions, extreme heat, or steep climbs. Not wearing one when required results in a €200 fine. Cyclists must dismount at pedestrian crossings and cannot ride on pavements unless signposted. Cycle lanes should be used where available, and on marked paths, cyclists have priority.

At roundabouts, groups gain priority once the lead cyclist enters,

Credit: Ernest Rose, Shutterstock

but all riders must follow standard rules: give way to the left and use appropriate hand signals. Red lights and STOP signs apply to cyclists too, with fines up to €500.

New 2025 rules include compulsory reflective clothing at night, lane-centre cycling in cities, and a five-metre gap rule for following cars. Cyclists can now ride against traffic on 30 km/h one-way streets and filter through jams when safe. Overtaking cyclists requires slowing down by 20 km/h and leaving 1.5 metres of space, even crossing solid lines if safe.

FORTY years after its 1984 debut, the Citroën C15, a basic tradesman’s van, is captivating a new generation of young drivers and becoming a social media sensation on TikTok and Instagram.

Known for its durability and mechanical simplicity, the C15 today is celebrated by French youth for conquering muddy paths and steep slopes, earning a reputation as a ‘go-anywhere’ vehicle. Seen by most these days as just an old van, it shares the older Citroën Visa’s front end but has a clever rear axle, offering more load capacity.

When it was new, it sold 1.18 million units until 2006. Now it’s making a comeback as a cheap se -

cond-hand transport that is a fashion must to be seen in by those who want to give an air of the country lifestyle. Social media, including the ‘Decentralized Memes’ Facebook page, has turned it into a viral icon through humorous memes, portraying it as the quintessential ‘baker’s van’ or ‘dad’s car’.

Fans are customising their C15s for

events, and its image has even appeared in the racing computer game Assetto Corsa. With 90,000 still on the road, as noted at the Paris Motor Show, the C15’s low repair costs and fuel efficiency make it a favourite with the kids. As one enthusiast, Flooz Flooz, told France 3, it’s ‘an ode to rurality’, with teens eagerly requesting it for their 18th birthdays.

Eyes on the road

IN Spain, drivers who undergo eye surgery, including refractive procedures to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, are legally required to inform the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) to avoid penalties. Failure to notify the DGT about such surgeries can result in a fine of €200.

This regulation exists because changes in vision following surgery can impact a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Spanish law mandates that drivers update the DGT whenever significant changes to their eyesight occur, including after procedures like LASIK or other refractive surgeries.

Even if the surgery improves vision, the DGT requires drivers to keep their medical records current to ensure their fitness to drive. Failing to report these changes can lead to unintended violations of the law and the imposition of fines.

As per Spanish regulations, drivers must wait 30 days after refractive eye

surgery before applying for a new or renewed driver’s licence. This waiting period allows time to evaluate any post-surgical visual effects that could affect driving ability. For professional drivers, the waiting period is extended to three months.

It’s important to note that this fine isn’t limited to major surgeries. Any person who undergoes a health change that could impact driving capabilities must notify the DGT to avoid fines and ensure their driving privileges remain intact.

Cycling in Spain in 2025: Ten things you need to know before you jump on your bike.

Just an old banger?

Credit: Dmitry Shalakitsky - Instagram

Surgery can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle.

50 years of the Volkswagen Polo

By Mark Slack ROAD

TEST

ned with four World Championship titles in the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016.

‘SMALL on the outside. Big on the inside’. This was the slogan used by Volkswagen 50 years ago to advertise its latest product at the time, the Polo. When the small car came on the market in early May 1975, nobody expected that this extremely compact two-door car would become such a bestseller - nationally and internationally, over five decades, in six generations and more than 20 million examples sold worldwide.

What began as a sim-

Each generation of the Polo has offered more with new features such as front and side airbags, power steering, belt tensioners and ABS were introduced and made sure the Polo remained successful. Today the Polo boasts assist and convenience systems that are otherwise available only in higher vehicle classes. Its popularity worldwide seems undiminished and it will be kept up to date in the coming

When the first new Polos were on sale at dealerships, they were part of a new Volkswagen model family that took off in the early 1970s. In the spring of 1975, the angular small car followed the Passat (1973) and Golf (1974) of the then still young water-cooled model generation, which succeeded the legendary VW Beetle. Throughout six model generations,

hu-

Polo is still

gely popu-

lar today and has made the model a bestseller. Recognition from national and international trade media includes awards such as Car of the Year 2010, World Car of the Year

ple two-door vehicle in 1975 has been perfected and expanded in many facets over five decades: in a total of six generations, as a hatchback, Coupé, and as a sporty G40 or GTI1, as a colourful Harlequin, an estate, a notchback with the name Derby, a CrossPolo with a distinctly off-road look, as an efficient BlueMotion and, of course, as an extremely succesful R WRC, which was crow-

Series production of the Polo began in March 1975 at Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, with 1.1 million units being produced there by 1981. As the model increased in importance, production was spread to other locations around the world, including Spain, Argentina, South Africa, Slovenia, China, Brazil and India. With more than 20 million units built, the Polo is one of the world’s most successful small compact vehicles.

Underdog’s year

DESCRIBED as a captivating contradiction of the old and new, and known for its iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao will be the stage where the UEFA Europa League Final takes place this year.

Two UK teams, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, will face off in the Basque city in what has turned out to be a local disappointment, as Spaniards had hoped to see at least one of their favourite Spanish league teams play in Bilbao.

The final takes place on Wednesday, May 21. The two teams, which languished in the bottom half of the table, will fight relentlessly to secure the European trophy and a place in the next season’s Champions League. That would also allow them to save face after a sluggish campaign.

Manchester United suffered an 18th loss of the campaign with a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea, while it was 21 for Tottenham after they were beaten 2-0 by Aston Villa. Their performance meant they saw no winning send-off before departing for their

game in Spain.

Tottenham heads for Bilbao with a season in which they lost 25 games, more than in any season throughout their history. United also has a record to boast: They’ve won only one in the last 11 Premier League games since beating Southampton 3-1 last month.

However, on their journey to the Europa League final, they both went unbeaten, with only one draw each.

However, Manchester United is the favourite to take the cup under Rubben Amorim.

Spanish rising star nabs Rome Masters 1000

SPANISH rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz emerged on Sunday May 18 the Rome Masters 1000’s champion after defeating Jannik Sinner in only two sets: 6(5)-7 and 1-6.

Alcaraz, who won the Roman tennis cup for the first time, now has 19 titles. He is 22 years old, which means he has plenty of time ahead of him to try to match his Spanish predecessors, Rafael Nadal (92), Manuel Orantes (34), and David Ferrer (27). He’s one title away from Mallorcan Carlos Moya, the fourth highest ranked Spaniard in tennis history with 20 titles.

Alcaraz now owns 11 Big Titles, a combination of Grand Slam championships, trophies at the Nitto ATP Finals and ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, and Olympic

singles gold medals.

Alcaraz has won seven ATP Masters 1000 trophies, earning glory at each of the season’s first five Masters 1000 events at least once in his career.

Despite playing his first tournament at the elite level just four years ago (2021 Miami), Alcaraz is now tied for the eighth-most crowns in series history (since 1990)

with Michael Chang and Alexander Zverev.

The news outlet also highlighted the fact that the Spanish tennis star has a historic record of more than one Big Title for every five of the events he has played (one title per 4.5 events).

Only Novak Djokovic (3.2), Rafael Nadal (3.5) and Roger Federer (4.4) are ahead of the Spaniard.

Carlos Alcaraz in Paris, July 2024.

Manchester United are favourites to take the 2025 Europa League Final vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Photo Leonard Zhukovsky Shutterstock

Photo UEAFA